Conjunctions / 连词
于是 vs 因此
so/then (narrative) vs therefore (logical) — both mean 'so' but feel different
Comparison / 对比
| 于是 yúshì | 因此 yīncǐ | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sequential: then, so (story flow) | Causal: therefore, as a result |
| Register | Narrative / storytelling | Formal / argumentative |
| Focus | What happened NEXT | Logical CONSEQUENCE |
| Replaceable by | 然后 (then) | 所以 (so/therefore) |
Examples / 例句
于是: 天黑了，于是我们决定回家。
It got dark, so we decided to go home. (narrative sequence)
因此: 他没有认真复习，因此没有通过考试。
He didn't review seriously; therefore he didn't pass. (logical cause-effect)
Quick rule: 于是 tells a STORY (this happened, then that happened). 因此 makes an ARGUMENT (because of X, therefore Y). In reading passages: 于是 appears in narratives, 因此 in explanatory/analytical texts.
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
天黑了，我们决定回家。
空气污染越来越严重，政府采取了新措施。
他吃完饭出门了。
Quick Quiz / 小测验
他找了很久都没找到，放弃了。
Narrative sequence (searched → gave up) → 于是.
空气污染越来越严重，政府采取了新的措施。
Formal cause-effect analysis → 因此.
他看到路边有人摔倒了，跑过去帮忙。
Story flow (saw → ran to help) → 于是.