知其然而不知其所以然

zhī qí rán ér bù zhī qí suǒ yǐ rán

Save to list

Definitions

1. to know that it is so but not why it is so (idiom)

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Child Words of 知其然而不知其所以然

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 不知 不知 bù zhī: not to know
• 以 以 yǐ: to use
• 其 其 qí: his
• 所 所 suǒ: actually
• 所以 所以 suǒ yǐ: therefore
• 然而 然而 rán ér: however; yet; but
• 而 而 ér: and
• 其所 其所 qí suǒ: its place
• 所以然 所以然 suǒ yǐ rán: the reason why
• 然 然 rán: correct
• 知 知 zhī: to know