因
cause; reason; because
Closest English meanings
because·cause·reason
The Calligrapher — Liú Yōng 刘墉
Qing minister famed for rounded, 'cotton-hidden-iron' running script.
Qing calligrapher (), master of regular script/running script — known for 浓墨宰相. Qing dynasty
Cultural Story
Mengzi argued that 因 the seasons one must not drain the ponds, linking cause to restraint. Buddhist sutras translated 因果 as the chain of deed and consequence, a debt that follows the doer. In the Hanfeizi, a ruler's 因素 of success is counted like grains — policy, weather, and men, each a countable cause.
Common words & phrases
- 因为 because · since
- 原因 reason · cause
- 因素 factor · element
- 因此 therefore · for this reason · as a result
- 因果 cause and effect · karma
- 基因 gene
Read the story behind the character
A doctor explains the 因 of the cough is dust, not infection. The lab report lists a 基因 linked to the condition. A project manager ticks 因素 after 因素 on a shared sheet. The news anchor closes with 因此 the bridge will stay closed through the weekend.
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