How common it is
理由 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say lǐyóu slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
理由表示做某事的原因或解释。
lǐ yóu biǎo shì zuò mǒu shì de yuán yīn huò jiě shì。
理由 means a reason or explanation.
Context note
理由常用于判断、讨论和解释。
lǐ yóu cháng yòng yú pàn duàn 、 tǎo lùn hé jiě shì。
It is often used with judgment, discussion, and explanation.
5 examples
你有什么理由？
nǐ yǒu shén me lǐ yóu？
What reason do you have?
这个理由很充分。
zhè ge lǐ yóu hěn chōng fèn。
This reason is very sufficient.
他没有理由迟到。
tā méi yǒu lǐ yóu chí dào。
He has no reason to be late.
请说明理由。
qǐng shuō míng lǐ yóu。
Please explain the reason.
理由要说清楚。
lǐ yóu yào shuō qīng chǔ。
The reason should be stated clearly.
5 mini stories
老师说，做事要有理由。
lǎo shī shuō， zuò shì yào yǒu lǐ yóu。
The teacher said actions should have a reason.
他找了一个理由。
tā zhǎo le yí gè lǐ yóu。
He found a reason.
理由不充分，大家不一定同意。
lǐ yóu bù chōng fèn， dà jiā bù yí dìng tóng yì。
If the reason is not sufficient, everyone may not agree.
她把理由讲得很清楚。
tā bǎ lǐ yóu jiǎng dé hěn qīng chǔ。
She explained the reason very clearly.
理由可以帮助别人理解。
lǐ yóu kě yǐ bāng zhù bié rén lǐ jiě。
Reasons can help others understand.