jau4 jyu1由於由于
Jyutpingjau4 jyu1
Yaleyàuh yū
Definition
Because of; due to; owing to.
neutralother
How it's used
Despite being a formal conjunction, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to introduce a cause or reason. It carries a slightly more objective or analytical tone compared to the more common 因為. It is best suited for explaining situations where the cause is external or circumstantial rather than personal.
Examples
Due to the bad weather, we cancelled the event.
Related words
Common phrases
due to various reasons
due to the weather
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly pair this with 所以 in the same sentence, which is grammatically incorrect in both Cantonese and Mandarin. If you use 由於, the second clause should simply state the result without adding a conjunction like 所以.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
