cin4 jan1前因
Jyutpingcin4 jan1
Yalechìhn yān
Definition
The antecedent, cause, or origin of an event; things that happened in the past.
neutralother
How it's used
Often paired with 後果 to form the idiom 前因後果, referring to the entire chain of events from start to finish. It carries a slightly formal or philosophical tone, suggesting that current circumstances are the inevitable result of past actions. Unlike simple words for reason like 原因, it implies a narrative or a history behind the situation.
Examples
There is a reason for their breakup, don't ask so much.
What is the background story to this incident?
Related words
Common phrases
the whole story, the cause and effect
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
