hei2 jan1起因
Jyutpinghei2 jan1
Yalehéi yān
Definition
The cause or origin of an event.
neutralother
How it's used
Focuses primarily on the sequence of events leading to a specific outcome, often used in formal reports or news contexts. While it refers to an origin, it is distinct from 原因 which is a more general term for reason or motive. It implies a narrative or investigative process where one traces back to the very start of a situation.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Do you know what the cause of this incident is?
The police are still investigating the cause of this case.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use it interchangeably with 原因, but 起因 specifically highlights the initial spark or trigger of an event rather than the underlying justification or rationale.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
