Meaning
于是 is a formal conjunction used to connect two events or actions, showing that the second follows logically or chronologically from the first. It emphasizes a natural progression or consequence, often translating to 'so' or 'thereupon' in English. It appears more frequently in written Chinese and formal speech than in casual conversation.
Usage
于是 typically appears at the beginning of the second clause, after a comma or period. It's more literary than casual alternatives like 所以 or 然后. Native speakers use it to create a sense of narrative flow, especially when recounting events or explaining cause-and-effect relationships in a more sophisticated way.
Examples
- 01天气太热了，于是我们决定去游泳。, .The weather was too hot, so we decided to go swimming.
- 02他找不到工作，于是开始自己创业。, .He couldn't find a job, so he started his own business.
Characters
Origin
于是 is a classical Chinese expression that literally means 'at this' or 'in this case.' It has been used since ancient times to mark consequential transitions in narrative and expository writing.