由来

yóu lái

HSK 3.0 Level 6 Noun Rare

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Definitions

1. origin

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 原因 yuán yīn 原因 yuán yīn cause Focuses on the cause rather than the origin.: cause

Synonyms

2 items

• 来源 lái yuán 来源 lái yuán source (of information etc) Used interchangeably when referring to the origin or source of something.: source (of information etc)
• 起源 qǐ yuán 起源 qǐ yuán origin More common for the beginning of abstract concepts or historical developments.: origin

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with 历史 (history) or 故事 (story) to mean 'historical origin' or 'story behind'.

Example Sentences

1 shown

这个故事有什么 由来 ？

What is the origin of this story?

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 由来

• 来 来 lái: to come
• 由 由 yóu: to follow