由于
HSK 4- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Used to indicate the cause of an event, generally carrying a formal and objective tone.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Like 因为, 由于 (do vu) is also a conjunction used to indicate cause, meaning "due to" or "because." However, 由于 tends to carry a more formal and objective tone, and is commonly used in writing, news, or official announcements.
The cause following 由于 is typically a situation or fact that has already occurred, with no subjective nuance. In many cases both can be used interchangeably, but 由于 makes the sentence sound more serious and formal.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 由于天气不好，航班取消了。繁: 由於天氣不好，航班取消了。Yóuyú tiānqì bù hǎo, hángbān qǔxiāo le.
Due to bad weather, the flight was cancelled.
- 由于工作太忙，他没时间休息。繁: 由於工作太忙，他沒時間休息。Yóuyú gōngzuò tài máng, tā méi shíjiān xiūxi.
Because his work was too busy, he had no time to rest.
- 由于交通堵塞，我上班迟到了。繁: 由於交通堵塞，我上班遲到了。Yóuyú jiāotōng dǔsè, wǒ shàngbān chídào le.
Because of traffic congestion, I was late for work.
- 由于他的努力，公司取得了成功。繁: 由於他的努力，公司取得了成功。Yóuyú tā de nǔlì, gōngsī qǔdé le chénggōng.
Due to his effort, the company achieved success.
- 由于身体原因，他退出了比赛。繁: 由於身體原因，他退出了比賽。Yóuyú shēntǐ yuányīn, tā tuìchū le bǐsài.
Due to health reasons, he withdrew from the competition.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:由于我今天不舒服，所以不跟你去看电影了。Correct:因为我今天不舒服，所以不跟你去看电影了。
In casual speech, 因为 is more natural. 由于 carries a formal, objective tone.
- Wrong:由于因为下大雨，我们没去公园。Correct:由于下大雨，我们没去公园。
由于 and 因为 both indicate cause; do not use both together. Choose only one word.