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March 24, 2026
所以suǒyǐ(suo3yi3)
所以 (suǒ yǐ) is a conjunction used to indicate a conclusion or result based on a previous statement. It translates to 'therefore' or 'as a result' in English and is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to connect ideas logically.
Strokes12Frequency#118DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, logical reasoning and connections are highly valued, especially in discussions and storytelling, which makes 所以 an essential word in articulating thoughts clearly.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'saw' (sounds like 'suo') that cuts through confusion, leading to clarity ('yi' means 'to be'). Picture a scenario where after cutting through the chaos, you arrive at a clear conclusion: 'So, this is why...'.
Meanings of 所以
suǒyǐ(suo3yi3)
1therefore
2as a result
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About 所以
所以Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#118Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 所以
Podcast: 所以
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AI Study Notes for 所以
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 所以 with 结果 (jiéguǒ), which also means 'result' but is used differently in sentences. 所以 is more informal and often used in conversation, while 结果 is more formal. A common structure is 'X, 所以 Y' (X, so Y).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 所以 connects well with other conjunctions like 因为 (yīnwèi, 'because'). Focus on using it to form logical sentences that express cause and effect to reinforce your understanding of sentence structure.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 所以 by placing it before the cause instead of the effect, saying '因为我累，所以我不去' (Because I am tired, so I am not going) instead of '我累，所以我不去'. Remember, the order should be cause first, then 所以, followed by the effect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 所以
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Knowing 所以 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
所以 (suǒ yǐ) is a conjunction used to indicate a conclusion or result based on a previous statement. It translates to 'therefore' or 'as a result' in English and is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin to connect ideas logically.
When to use 所以
Be careful not to confuse 所以 with 结果 (jiéguǒ), which also means 'result' but is used differently in sentences. 所以 is more informal and often used in conversation, while 结果 is more formal. A common structure is 'X, 所以 Y' (X, so Y).
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 所以 by placing it before the cause instead of the effect, saying '因为我累，所以我不去' (Because I am tired, so I am not going) instead of '我累，所以我不去'. Remember, the order should be cause first, then 所以, followed by the effect.
Write 所以
所
以
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Grammar Patterns of 所以
所以 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
