Cause

原因。“故”指事物所以如此的原因，有时也称“所以”“所以然”。“故”所指示的因果关系是事物之间的一种基本关系。对于“故”的探究与辨析，是人们认识事物的重要方式。对事物所以如此之“故”的把握，有助于人们合理地应对事物，并对其发展做出有效的引导。

Gu (故) denotes the cause of things. This causal connection, represented by gu, forms a fundamental relationship among things. Analyzing these causes is vital for discerning things. Understanding the causes shaping events enables one to handle situations appropriately and guide their development effectively.

引例 Citations：

◎故，所得而后成也。（《墨子·经上》）

故，是事物因为有它而后得以成就的东西。

Gu or the cause is something that must exist before it leads things to have any outcome. (Mozi)

◎至于天下之物，则必各有所以然之故与其所当然之则，所谓理也。（朱熹《大学或问》）

至于天下的事物，则必然各自有着所以如此的原因与所应该如此的法则，这就是所谓的理。

All things in the world have their causes of being so and follow the rules under which they should be so. These aspects are known as li (principles). (Zhu Xi: Answers to Questions on The Great Learning)