loi4 jau4來由来由

Jyutpingloi4 jau4

Yalelòih yàuh

名詞

Definition

The origin, cause, or reason behind why something happened.

neutralother

How it's used

This term is used to describe the background, history, or the underlying reasons for why something exists or happened. It is slightly more formal than just asking for the reason, as it implies a narrative or a sequence of events leading up to the current situation. You will often hear it used when someone is curious about the backstory of a custom, a conflict, or a strange occurrence.

Examples

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知le1呢gin2件si6事ge3嘅loi4來jau4由aa4呀？

Do you know the origin and reason for this matter?

keoi5佢gong2講zo2咗seng4成gin2件si6事ge3嘅loi4來jau4由bei2畀ngo5我teng1聽。

He told me the origin and the whole story of the matter.

Common phrases

caa4查ming4明loi4來jau4由

investigate the origin and cause

gong2講seot6述loi4來jau4由

explain the origin and cause

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 理由, which strictly means 'reason' or 'justification'. While 理由 focuses on the logic behind a decision, 來由 encompasses the broader context, history, or 'how it came to be'.