出于…
out of …; motivated by
Structure
出于 动机（好奇／礼貌／安全的考虑） ， 行为
What it means
Gives the motive behind an action: out of curiosity, politeness or concern for something. It names an inner reason or consideration, not an outside cause.
How it is built
出于 + abstract motive, then the action: 出于好奇，他打开了盒子 (Out of curiosity he opened the box). Typical motives: 好奇, 礼貌, 同情, 自愿, 安全的考虑 (often just 安全考虑).
When to use it
More formal than 因为, and limited to motives and considerations. Use 因为 for ordinary causes like weather or illness. Common in notices: 出于安全考虑 (for safety reasons).
Watch out
✗ 出于下雨，比赛取消了。 ✓ 因为下雨，比赛取消了。 出于 needs a motive or consideration, not an event that simply happened.
Examples
出于礼貌，他还是收下了这份礼物。
Out of politeness he accepted the gift anyway.
出于安全考虑，这条路暂时关闭。
For safety reasons this road is temporarily closed.
Learn this in Lesson 30 · HSK 5–6: 面子、关系与人情 (Face, connections and favours)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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