bởi lẽ
Definition
Conjunction * Because, for the reason that, since: Used to introduce a clause that states the reason or cause for something mentioned in the main clause. It is a formal and literary equivalent of "bởi vì" (because).
Usage
- Position: "Bởi lẽ" is used at the beginning of a subordinate clause that explains the reason. The clause with "bởi lẽ" can come before or after the main clause. When it comes first, it is often followed by a comma.
- Formality: This word is more formal, literary, and less common in everyday spoken Vietnamese than "bởi vì" or "tại vì". It is often found in written texts, speeches, or formal explanations.
Usage Examples
- "Bởi lẽ" clause first:
- Bởi lẽ anh ấy đã hứa, nên anh ấy nhất định sẽ làm. (Because he promised, he will definitely do it.)
- Bởi lẽ thời tiết xấu, chuyến bay đã bị hoãn. (Since the weather was bad, the flight was delayed.)
- "Bởi lẽ" clause second:
- Tôi quyết định từ chối lời mời, bởi lẽ tôi đã có kế hoạch khác. (I decided to decline the invitation, for the reason that I already had other plans.)
- Sự kiện bị hủy bỏ bởi lẽ không đủ người tham gia. (The event was canceled because there were not enough participants.)
Advanced Usage
- "Chẳng bởi lẽ gì..." / "Không bởi lẽ gì...": This structure means "There is no reason why..." or "It is not for any reason that...". It is used to strongly negate a presumed cause.
- Tôi giúp anh chẳng bởi lẽ gì cả, chỉ đơn giản là tôi muốn thế. (I'm helping you for no reason at all, I simply want to.)
- Không bởi lẽ gì mà cô ấy lại từ chối một cơ hội tuyệt vời như vậy. (There's no reason why she would refuse such a great opportunity.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bởi vì (Conjunction): The most common and neutral word for "because". Used in both spoken and written language.
- Tại vì (Conjunction): Similar to "bởi vì", very common in spoken Southern Vietnamese.
- Vì (Conjunction): A shorter, versatile word for "because" or "for". Can also mean "for" (as in "for someone").
- Do (Conjunction/Preposition): Often used for objective, direct causes. Equivalent to "due to" or "owing to".
- Nguyên nhân là (Phrase): A formal phrase meaning "The reason is that...".
Synonyms
- Bởi vì: Because.
- Vì: Because, for.
- Do: Due to, because of.
- Bởi (literary): Because, for.
Related Phrases / Structures
- ... là bởi lẽ...: A structure to emphasize the reason, translating to "... is because...".
- Lý do tôi đến muộn là bởi lẽ xe tôi bị hỏng. (The reason I was late is because my car broke down.)