Usage of 由
The character 由 is commonly used as a preposition indicating cause, origin, or agent in passive constructions. It often translates to "by" or "from" in English. For example, in sentences describing the cause of an event, 由 introduces the reason or source.
Common Collocations
- 由...引起 (caused by...): used to specify the cause of something.
- 由...决定 (decided by...): indicates who makes the decision.
- 由...写成 (written by...): shows the agent who performed an action.
Nuances and Usage Notes
When 由 is used to indicate the agent in passive sentences, it is often interchangeable with 被 but tends to be more formal or written. In spoken Chinese, 被 is more common.
Additionally, 由 can appear in expressions indicating responsibility or authority, such as 由你负责 (it's your responsibility).
Avoid confusing 由 with 从 (cóng), which also means "from" but emphasizes starting point or origin in space or time rather than cause or agent.