由来

由來
yóulái
noun HSK 7 #23,151

Meanings

  1. 1 origin
  2. 2 source
  3. 3 history (of something)

Characters

Literally 'where it comes from' — the origin or history behind something

Examples

Nǐ zhīdào zhège jiérì de yóulái ma?
Do you know the origin of this holiday?
Zhège dìmíng de yóulái hěn yǒuqù.
The origin of this place name is very interesting.

Tips

usage
由来 is commonly used in the pattern X由来 to ask about or explain the backstory of names, customs, or traditions. It also appears as an adverb meaning 'since long ago' in literary contexts: 由来 (has existed for a long time).

Stroke Order

yóu
lái