Lesson 33: Result and consequence (nên, cho nên, thành ra)

Sometimes you want to focus specifically on the result or consequence of an action.

Expected Results with "nên"

Nên is the standard marker for logical results ("so" / "therefore").

Tôi bận nên không đi được.
"I'm busy, so I can't go."

Weighty Results with "cho nên"

Cho nên is a slightly heavier, more formal version of nên.

Anh ấy học giỏi cho nên được học bổng.
"He studies well, therefore he got a scholarship."

Accidental Results with "thành ra"

Thành ra introduces a specific result that wasn't necessarily planned. It means "turned out that" or "consequently."

Quên mang ô thành ra bị ướt.
"Forgot umbrella, so it turned out (I) got wet."

Storytelling Logic

These words build a narrative bridge: [Event A] -> [Connector] -> [Event B].

Trời mưa to thành ra hủy chuyến đi.
"Rain was heavy, consequently canceled the trip."

Examples

Thích ăn cay nên cho nhiều ớt.
"(I) like spicy eating, so (I) put lots of chili."

Xe hỏng nên phải đi bộ.
"Car broke, so had to walk."

Note on nuance

Thành ra often has a casual, storytelling vibe ("...and so I ended up..."). Nên is your everyday logic connector. Notice how they signal that the next part of the sentence is the "outcome."