How to Write 由 (yóu) — Meaning “by / from / due to”

Imagine a field (田) with a vertical road (the middle line) running through it, showing a path you can travel 'by' or 'from.' This visual of a road cutting through a field helps link the shape to the idea of passing through or originating from.

Start with the vertical stroke before the left vertical, top horizontal, and inner horizontal—this order is unique because the middle vertical is written first. Make sure the top horizontal is slightly shorter than the bottom horizontal to keep the character balanced, and avoid writing the vertical line after the field shape.

由 has a vertical line that extends above the top of the field radical, while 田 has no extensions and 甲 has a vertical line extending both above and below. In meaning, 由 expresses a source or method, 田 means 'field,' and 甲 refers to 'first' or 'armor.'

由 is common in everyday words like 理由 (reason), 自由 (freedom), and 由于 (due to), showing its function as a preposition or noun root. It appears in the famous phrase 自由 (zìyóu), which is central to modern Chinese discussions of personal liberty and rights.

Common words containing 由 include: 理由 (lǐ yóu) — Reason; Excuse; 自由 (zì yóu) — freedom; liberty; free; 由于 (yóu yú) — because of / due to.