因 calligraphy

因

cause; reason; because

Closest English meanings

because·cause·reason

The Calligrapher — Kāng Yǒuwéi 康有为

Qing reformer and theorist who championed stele-based calligraphy.

Qing calligrapher (), master of regular script — Qing reformer-scholar who championed the rugged stele-school aesthetic. 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

In the modern world

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.

Own this character

Purchase delivers the original SVG of this glyph, brushed by Kāng Yǒuwéi 康有为, ready to place on skin, paper, or screen.