从而
HSK 5- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Conjunction 从而 connects an action or cause with its result, meaning 'thereby' or 'thus'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
从而 is a formal conjunction (连词) used to connect two clauses. The first clause indicates a method, action, or cause, while the second clause indicates the result achieved through that action. It emphasizes a logical cause-and-effect relationship, generally translated as "thereby," "thus," or "and as a result." 从而 is mainly used in written language or formal contexts.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他努力学习，从而取得了优异的成绩。繁: 他努力學習，從而取得了優異的成績。Tā nǔlì xuéxí, cóng'ér qǔdé le yōuyì de chéngjì.
He studied diligently and thereby achieved excellent grades.
- 公司改进了技术，从而提高了生产效率。繁: 公司改進了技術，從而提高了生產效率。Gōngsī gǎijìn le jìshù, cóng'ér tígāo le shēngchǎn xiàolǜ.
The company improved its technology, thereby increasing production efficiency.
- 我们应该多锻炼，从而增强体质。繁: 我們應該多鍛鍊，從而增強體質。Wǒmen yīnggāi duō duànliàn, cóng'ér zēngqiáng tǐzhì.
We should exercise more, thereby strengthening our physical fitness.
- 多读书可以开阔眼界，从而更好地了解世界。繁: 多讀書可以開闊眼界，從而更好地瞭解世界。Duō dúshū kěyǐ kāikuò yǎnjiè, cóng'ér gèng hǎo de liǎojiě shìjiè.
Reading many books can broaden one's horizons, thereby understanding the world better.
- 他每月都存钱，从而有能力去旅行。繁: 他每月都存錢，從而有能力去旅行。Tā měi yuè dōu cúnqián, cóng'ér yǒu nénglì qù lǚxíng.
He saves money every month, and as a result has the ability to travel.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:因为下雨，从而我没去上学。Correct:因为下雨，所以我没去上学。
从而 connects an action directly to its result and is not used for general reasons. For reasons like weather, 所以 would be more natural.
- Wrong:他提高了汉语水平，从而每天练习。Correct:他每天练习，从而提高了汉语水平。
The clause following 从而 must express a result, not a cause or method. The action of 'practicing daily' should be placed before it.