HSK 4
于是……
yúshì……
consequently…
Structure
Reason/First Event + 于是 + Consequence/Second Event
How it works
The conjunction 于是 (yúshì) is used to indicate that the second action or situation follows as a natural result or immediate consequence of the first. It is often used in narrative contexts to describe a sequence of events where the first event causes the second.
Examples
外面下起了大雨，于是我们决定留在家里。
Wàimiàn xià qǐle dàyǔ, yúshì wǒmen juédìng liú zài jiālǐ.
It started raining heavily outside, so we decided to stay at home.
他没带钱包，于是向朋友借了一些钱。
Tā méi dài qiánbāo, yúshì xiàng péngyǒu jièle yìxiē qián.
He didn't bring his wallet, so he borrowed some money from a friend.
大家都不说话，于是空气变得很安静。
Dàjiā dōu bù shuōhuà, yúshì kōngqì biàn de hěn ānjìng.
No one was speaking, so the atmosphere became very quiet.
Common mistakes
Confusing 于是 (yúshì) with 所以 (suǒyǐ). While similar, 于是 emphasizes a sequence of events or an immediate decision, whereas 所以 is used for broader logical conclusions.
Tip
Think of 于是 as 'and then as a result.' If you can replace it with 'and so', it's likely correct, but remember it specifically links actions that happen closely in time.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 于是…… in real Chinese
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