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March 24, 2026
于是(於是)yúshì(yu2shi4)
于是 (yú shì) is used to indicate a consequence or a result that follows from a previous statement or action. It is commonly found in both spoken and written Chinese, often serving as a transition to connect ideas smoothly. It conveys a sense of logical progression, where one event leads to another.
Frequency#1428DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The use of 于是 reflects the Chinese emphasis on logical flow in reasoning and storytelling. In traditional Chinese literature, such transitions are crucial for guiding the reader through the narrative's progression.
Memory Tip
Think of 于是 as 'you see' the result of an action. The character 由 (yóu) suggests 'from' or 'cause', while 是 (shì) means 'is' or 'to be'. Imagine a cause and effect scenario: 'You see the effect (于是) after the cause (由) happens.'
Meanings of 于是
yúshì(yu2shi4)
1thereupon
2as a result
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 于是
于是Simplified
於是Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#1428Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 于是
Podcast: 于是
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AI Study Notes for 于是
Quick Contrast
因此 (yīn cǐ) vs 所以 (suǒ yǐ) — use 于是 for a more immediate, narrative transition, while 因此 emphasizes logical reasoning and 所以 is more conversational.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 于是 as 'you see' the result of an action. The character 由 (yóu) suggests 'from' or 'cause', while 是 (shì) means 'is' or 'to be'. Imagine a cause and effect scenario: 'You see the effect (于是) after the cause (由) happens.'
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 于是 with other conjunctions, such as 所以 (suǒ yǐ) or 因此 (yīn cǐ), which also indicate cause and effect but may carry slightly different nuances. It's more formal than colloquial expressions like '所以', so choose it in writing or formal speech. Ensure to follow it with a clause that specifies what the result is.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 于是 connects well with other conjunctions and transitional phrases. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences to express conditions and results effectively, enhancing their ability to link ideas in conversation and writing.
Cultural Note
The use of 于是 reflects the Chinese emphasis on logical flow in reasoning and storytelling. In traditional Chinese literature, such transitions are crucial for guiding the reader through the narrative's progression.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 于是 in informal contexts, where a simpler connector like 所以 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我很累，于是我去睡觉' is correct, but in casual speech, '所以' is preferred.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 于是
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Grammar Patterns of 于是
于是 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 5 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.
"Nine," said I. "Nine thirty," tried he. We compromised on
9
于是，他去打官司赢回了他的工作。
yú shì， ， tā qù dǎ guān sī yíng huí le tā de gōng。
So he went and filed a suit and won his job back.
10
他于是对他说道：“谁是我邻居？”
tā yú shì duì tā shuō dào：“ ：“ shuí shì wǒ lín？”
And he said unto him, "Who is my neighbor?"
Cultural Notes for 于是
🏮Cultural insight
The use of 于是 reflects the Chinese emphasis on logical flow in reasoning and storytelling. In traditional Chinese literature, such transitions are crucial for guiding the reader through the narrative's progression.
Frequently Asked Questions about 于是
Yes, starting a sentence with 于是 is acceptable to indicate that what follows is a result of previous information.
Yes, 于是 is generally considered more formal and is often used in written language compared to colloquial alternatives.
While both indicate consequence, 于是 emphasizes a more immediate result, whereas 所以 can imply a broader cause-and-effect relationship.
