于是

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yúshì: 于是 - So, Therefore, Consequently

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: 于是, yushi, Chinese grammar, Chinese conjunction, so, therefore, consequently, as a result, how to use yushi, yushi vs suoyi, Chinese connectors, cause and effect in Chinese
  • Summary: Learn how to use the essential Chinese conjunction 于是 (yúshì), meaning 'so', 'therefore', or 'consequently'. This guide breaks down 于是 to show how it connects cause and effect in sentences, making your Chinese sound more natural and logical. We'll cover its core meaning, provide practical examples, and compare it to similar words like 所以 (suǒyǐ) to avoid common mistakes for beginners.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): yúshì
  • Part of Speech: Conjunction
  • HSK Level: HSK 3
  • Concise Definition: A conjunction used to connect a cause or preceding event with a subsequent result or action.
  • In a Nutshell: Think of 于是 (yúshì) as the bridge between two events in a story. It signifies “and so…” or “as a result…”. It's used when one action naturally and immediately leads to the next, often in a narrative sequence. It emphasizes the progression of events rather than just a cold, logical conclusion.

Character Breakdown

  • 于 (yú): A versatile preposition that can mean “at,” “in,” “on,” or “from.” In this context, it functions as a starting point, like saying “stemming from this…” or “at this point…”.
  • 是 (shì): The fundamental character for “to be” or “yes.” It confirms the reality or state of being.
  • When combined, 于是 (yúshì) literally suggests “from this, it is that…” or “at this point, it is so…”. This creates the meaning of “so,” “therefore,” or “thereupon,” linking a prior situation to its direct outcome.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • While 于是 (yúshì) is a grammatical tool, its frequent use highlights a feature of Chinese narrative style: a preference for clear, sequential storytelling. It's less about a formal, logical argument (like “therefore” in a Western philosophical proof) and more about the natural, often immediate, unfolding of events.
  • In English, we might choose between “so,” “then,” “consequently,” or “therefore” based on formality. 于是 (yúshì) captures a specific narrative flavor that is close to “and so it came to be that…” or “thereupon…”. It makes the listener or reader feel like they are following a story, where one event logically and chronologically follows the last. This reflects a straightforward, event-driven way of recounting history, stories, and even personal anecdotes.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Narration and Storytelling: This is the most common and natural use of 于是. It's perfect for connecting scenes in a story or explaining a sequence of events. You'll see it constantly in books, articles, and when people recount something that happened to them.
    • e.g., “He lost his keys, so he had to call a locksmith.”
  • Stating a Consequence: It's used to show the direct result of a previous action or situation. The connection is usually immediate and clear.
    • e.g., “The weather forecast said it would rain, so I brought an umbrella.”
  • Formality: 于是 is neutral but leans slightly more towards written or structured spoken Chinese compared to the more colloquial 所以 (suǒyǐ). It's common in news reports, formal recounts, and written narratives, but you'll also hear it in everyday conversation when telling a story.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 外面开始下大雨了，于是我们决定待在家里。
    • Pinyin: Wàimiàn kāishǐ xià dàyǔ le, yúshì wǒmen juédìng dāi zài jiālǐ.
    • English: It started to rain heavily outside, so we decided to stay at home.
    • Analysis: This shows a clear and immediate sequence. The rain (cause) directly leads to the decision to stay home (effect).
  • Example 2:
    • 他错过了最后一班公交车，于是只好打车回家。
    • Pinyin: Tā cuòguòle zuìhòu yī bān gōngjiāochē, yúshì zhǐhǎo dǎchē huí jiā.
    • English: He missed the last bus, so he had no choice but to take a taxi home.
    • Analysis: This example highlights a sequence of events leading to a necessary action. Missing the bus is the event; taking a taxi is the resulting action that follows.
  • Example 3:
    • 我学习了很长时间的中文，于是我决定去中国旅行。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ xuéxíle hěn cháng shíjiān de Zhōngwén, yúshì wǒ juédìng qù Zhōngguó lǚxíng.
    • English: I studied Chinese for a long time, and so I decided to travel to China.
    • Analysis: The long period of study (the preceding situation) led to the next logical step in the “story” of this person's Chinese journey: traveling to China.
  • Example 4:
    • 国王听了将军的报告，于是命令军队立刻出发。
    • Pinyin: Guówáng tīngle jiāngjūn de bàogào, yúshì mìnglìng jūnduì lìkè chūfā.
    • English: The king listened to the general's report, and thereupon commanded the army to set out immediately.
    • Analysis: This has a formal, historical narrative tone. The report is the event, and the command is the immediate action that follows.
  • Example 5:
    • 孩子们听到冰淇淋车的声音，于是都跑了出去。
    • Pinyin: Háizimen tīngdào bīngqílín chē de shēngyīn, yúshì dōu pǎo le chūqù.
    • English: The children heard the sound of the ice cream truck, so they all ran outside.
    • Analysis: A classic cause-and-effect story. The sound (cause) prompts an immediate, natural reaction (effect).
  • Example 6:
    • 公司的利润下降了，于是管理层决定裁员。
    • Pinyin: Gōngsī de lìrùn xiàjiàng le, yúshì guǎnlǐcéng juédìng cáiyuán.
    • English: The company's profits fell, and consequently the management decided to lay off staff.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates usage in a more formal, business context. The drop in profits is the event that triggers the next one (layoffs).
  • Example 7:
    • 他在网上看到了招聘广告，于是马上发了简历。
    • Pinyin: Tā zài wǎngshàng kàndàole zhāopìn guǎnggào, yúshì mǎshàng fā le jiǎnlì.
    • English: He saw the job advertisement online, so he immediately sent his resume.
    • Analysis: This shows a clear, logical sequence of actions. Seeing the ad led directly to sending the resume.
  • Example 8:
    • 我们谈了很久，但无法达成一致，于是会议结束了。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen tán le hěn jiǔ, dàn wúfǎ dáchéng yīzhì, yúshì huìyì jiéshù le.
    • English: We talked for a long time but couldn't reach an agreement, so the meeting ended.
    • Analysis: The failure to agree (situation) led to the next event in the sequence (the meeting ending).
  • Example 9:
    • 门是开着的，于是他就走了进去。
    • Pinyin: Mén shì kāizhe de, yúshì tā jiù zǒu le jìnqù.
    • English: The door was open, so he just walked in.
    • Analysis: A very simple, observational narrative. Event A (open door) led to Event B (walking in).
  • Example 10:
    • 她感觉有点不舒服，于是提前下班回家了。
    • Pinyin: Tā gǎnjué yǒudiǎn bù shūfu, yúshì tíqián xiàbān huíjiā le.
    • English: She felt a little unwell, so she got off work early and went home.
    • Analysis: A common real-life scenario. Feeling unwell is the preceding condition that leads to the action of going home early.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 于是 (yúshì) and 所以 (suǒyǐ). They can both be translated as “so,” but they are not interchangeable.
  • Key Distinction:
    • 于是 (yúshì): Emphasizes chronological sequence. It links two events that happen one after the other. It's about storytelling and progression. Think: “Event A happened, and then as a result, Event B happened.”
    • 所以 (suǒyǐ): Emphasizes logical reason and conclusion. It connects a reason to a result. It is often paired with 因为 (yīnwèi). Think: “Because of Reason A, therefore Conclusion B is true.”
  • Example of Incorrect Usage:
    • Incorrect: 因为今天天气很好，于是我想去公园。
    • (Yīnwèi jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo, yúshì wǒ xiǎng qù gōngyuán.)
    • Why it's wrong: The sentence starts with 因为 (yīnwèi), which establishes a logical reason. The natural pairing for a reason is a conclusion, which requires 所以 (suǒyǐ). 于是 is awkward here because “wanting to go to the park” isn't a new event that *happened after* the good weather; it's a logical result of it.
  • Correct Usage Examples:
    • Correct (with 所以): 因为今天天气很好，所以我想去公园。 (Because the weather is good today, so I want to go to the park.)
    • Correct (with 于是): 今天天气很好，我们都很高兴，于是我们一起去了公园。 (The weather was great today and we were all very happy, so we went to the park together.)
    • Analysis: In the second sentence, “going to the park” is an action that follows the situation of “good weather and being happy.” It's a narrative sequence, making 于是 the perfect choice.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 所以 (suǒyǐ) - The most similar term, but emphasizes a logical conclusion or result rather than a chronological sequence. The direct counterpart to “because”.
  • 因此 (yīncǐ) - A more formal and written version of 所以, meaning “therefore” or “for this reason.”
  • 然后 (ránhòu) - Means “then” or “afterwards.” It indicates a simple sequence in time without the cause-and-effect link implied by 于是. (First I did A, then I did B).
  • 结果 (jiéguǒ) - Means “as a result” or “in the end.” It is a noun that can also function as a conjunction to introduce the final outcome of a situation, often with a sense of finality.
  • 因为 (yīnwèi) - Means “because.” It introduces the reason or cause, and is very frequently paired with 所以.
  • 接着 (jiēzhe) - Means “next” or “to continue on.” It emphasizes that the second action follows the first without a break. It's purely about continuation, not cause-and-effect.