所以 causal relationship  Used as correlative conjunctions  所以 is often partner with 因为  reason所以+outcome 1. 因为他妈妈是法国人,所以他会说法语。 Cause / Reason effect/Outcome 2. 他不太舒服,所以不想吃东西。 Cause / Reason effect/Outcome 于是 sequential relationship (it has a meaning “then”)  This is used to place emphasis on the chronology of two connected happenings: A –> B, in continuation. Often it’s used in recounting past events or a story.  The second clause is a new situation or action caused by the first clause. However, if there is a discernible causal relationship, 于是 can be replaced by 所以。 1. 他很喜欢这件毛衣,于是就买下来了。 Then I bought. = 他很喜欢这件毛衣,所以就买下来了。 Cause/reason effect/outcome 2. 下雨了,于是我们不去踢足球了。 Then we don’t go to play soccer = 下雨了,所以我们不去踢足球了。 Cause/reason effect/outcome As the above examples illustrate, 于是 introduces the next thing to happen in sequence. There is some degree of interchangeability with these words: you can use 所以 in place of 于是 most of the time, but not often the other way around. 1. 他想学跳舞,我也想,于是我们一起去上跳舞课。 Then we go to the dancing class together =他想学跳舞,我也想,所以我们一起去上跳舞课。 Cause/reason effect/outcome 2. 今天下雪,我又忘了带外套,所以觉得特别冷。 Cause/reason effect/outcome 3. 上海人多车多,所以开车容易紧张。 Cause/reason effect/outcome