Usage of 出于
The phrase 出于 is used to indicate the origin or motivation behind an action or feeling. It often translates as "out of" or "due to" in English, showing the reason or cause for something.
Common contexts
It is frequently used in formal or written Chinese to explain motives, such as 出于好心 (out of kindness), 出于安全考虑 (due to safety considerations), or 出于无奈 (out of helplessness).
Collocations and patterns
- 出于 + 动机/原因: Expresses the reason or motivation behind an action.
- 出于好意: out of goodwill/kindness.
- 出于考虑: out of consideration.
Notes
出于 is often followed by abstract nouns or phrases indicating reasons or feelings. It is less common in casual spoken Chinese but important in formal writing and speech. Avoid confusing 出于 with 出自, which also means "to come from" but is more about origin or source rather than motivation.