原因 yuán yīn
“cause; origin; root cause”
nounHSK 4 · 2021 list level 2Measure word 个
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
原因 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 1902: 原因 yuányīn — Level 4; official annotation 4 (名). PDF page 127
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 原因
原因 is a noun meaning the cause or reason why something happens. It is used to talk about the source of a situation, often in patterns like “……的原因是……” or “……的原因是什么？”. It usually refers to an objective cause, not a personal excuse.
例句Example sentences
- 你知道他今天没来的原因吗？nǐ zhī dao tā jīn tiān méi lái de yuán yīn ma?Do you know the reason he didn't come today?
- 这就是我不同意这个计划的原因。zhè jiù shì wǒ bù tóng yì zhè ge jì huà de yuán yīn.This is the reason I don't agree with this plan.
- 医生说，他生病的主要原因是没休息好。yī sheng shuō, tā shēng bìng de zhǔ yào yuán yīn shì méi xiū xi hǎo.The doctor said the main cause of his illness was not getting enough rest.