由此可以得知

Using this phrase is like building a LEGO set. First, you lay down the foundation: a fact or an observation. Then, you snap in the connector: 由此可以得知. Finally, you add the top piece: your conclusion. It almost always follows a comma or starts a new sentence. For example, if you see your favorite Netflix series has been canceled despite high ratings, you might say: 'Ratings were high, but production costs were even higher. 由此可以得知 (From this we can know), the studio prioritizes profit over popularity.' It’s very common in written Chinese, academic essays, and news reports. If you're writing a report for your boss on why a marketing campaign failed, this phrase will make you sound incredibly professional. It tells them you aren't just venting; you're analyzing. It’s like wearing a digital blazer over your Zoom call outfit.

This phrase is definitely on the formal side of the spectrum. You'll find it in textbooks, business presentations, and legal documents. In a casual WeChat chat with your best friend, it might feel a little 'extra.' If you use it while arguing about whose turn it is to buy the next round of bubble tea, you’re being a bit dramatic—which can be funny if that's your vibe! However, in a job interview or a university seminar, it’s absolute gold. It shows you have a high level of literacy and can handle complex logical structures. It’s the kind of phrase that makes people stop and listen because it promises a logical payoff. It’s formal, but not so ancient that you sound like a Ming Dynasty scholar. It’s modern professional.

Imagine you’re scrolling through Instagram and notice a travel vlogger hasn't posted in three days after mentioning a storm. You could comment: 'They mentioned the weather was turning bad, and now they are silent. 由此可以得知 (From this we can know), they might be stuck without Wi-Fi.' Or think about a tech review on YouTube. The reviewer shows that a phone’s battery drops 50% in an hour of gaming. They might say: 'The battery drain is significant during high-performance tasks. 由此可以得知 (From this we can know), this phone isn't for hardcore gamers.' It’s perfect for these 'investigative' moments. Even in gaming, if a player keeps missing their shots despite having high-tier gear, a teammate might say: 'His ping is over 300ms. 由此可以得知 (From this we can know), he's playing on a bad server.' It’s the ultimate tool for explaining the 'why' behind the 'what.'

Use this when you want to sound authoritative. It’s great for data analysis: 'The sales numbers dropped after the price hike. 由此可以得知 our customers are very price-sensitive.' It’s also perfect for summarizing a long explanation. If you’ve spent five minutes explaining the plot of an Interstellar-style movie, you can end with: 由此可以得知, time is relative. Use it in essays to connect your evidence to your thesis statement. It’s also useful in debates or when you're trying to convince your parents that buying you a new laptop is actually an 'investment' in your education. It adds a layer of 'this is a fact' to your arguments. Just remember to have some actual evidence before you use it, otherwise, you're just a detective without a clue.

Don't use this for simple, obvious things. If you say, 'It’s 12 PM, 由此可以得知 it’s noon,' people will look at you like you’ve lost your mind. It’s also not for emotional or subjective statements. You wouldn't say, 'I like pizza, 由此可以得知 pizza is the best food in the world.' That’s an opinion, not a logical deduction. Also, avoid it in very high-speed, casual slang-filled conversations. If you’re using 'lol' and 'omg' in English, 由此可以得知 is probably too heavy for the Chinese equivalent. It’s also not a replacement for a simple 'because.' If the relationship isn't one of logical deduction, stick to 因为 (yīnwèi) or 由于 (yóuyú). You don't want to sound like a robot that's trying too hard to be human.

A very common mistake is putting the phrase in the wrong part of the sentence. Remember: Evidence + 由此可以得知 + Conclusion. Don't try to start with the conclusion!

• ✗ 由此可以得知外面下雨了，因为地是湿的。 (Wait, you're doing it backward!)
• ✓ 地是湿的，由此可以得知外面下雨了。 (The ground is wet, from this we can know it rained.)

Another mistake is forgetting the 得 (dé). Some people just say 由此可知, which is also correct and actually a bit more common in speech, but 由此可以得知 is the full, formal version. Another trap is using it without a clear 'this' (此). If there’s no preceding evidence, the 此 refers to nothing, and the sentence collapses like a souffle in a thunderstorm. Make sure your 'this' is clearly defined!

If you want to spice things up, you have options. 由此可见 (yóucǐ kějiàn) means 'from this it can be seen.' It’s very similar but feels a bit more visual. 从而得知 (cóng'ér dézhī) means 'thereby learning that.' It’s a bit more fluid and connects two actions. For a more casual vibe, you could just use 所以 (suǒyǐ - so) or 可以看出 (kěyǐ kànchū - can see that). If you want to go full 'professor mode,' you can use 据此可以推断 (jùcǐ kěyǐ tuīduàn - based on this, it can be inferred). Each one changes the flavor slightly. 由此可以得知 is the reliable, middle-of-the-road formal choice. It’s the 'vanilla latte' of logical transitions—classic, effective, and hard to mess up.

Can I use this in an email to my boss? Absolutely, it’s perfect for status updates and reports. Is it okay for HSK exams? Yes, using this at the B2/C1 level will definitely impress the graders. Can I say it to my girlfriend? Only if you want to sound like a lawyer, which might lead to a very logical breakup! Is it the same as 因此? 因此 means 'because of this' or 'therefore,' while 由此可以得知 specifically emphasizes the *process of gaining knowledge* or reaching a conclusion. They are close cousins, but 得知 adds that 'aha!' moment of discovery.