Since and Then: Logical Reasoning (jìrán... jiù)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {既然|jìrán} to state a known fact and {就|jiù} to draw a logical conclusion from it.
- Place {既然|jìrán} at the start of the first clause to introduce a premise.
- Use {就|jiù} in the second clause to introduce the resulting action or state.
- The subject can go before or after {既然|jìrán} depending on emphasis.
Overview
At the foundational A1 level of Chinese, understanding logical connections is crucial. The pattern 既然... 就... (`jìrán...
jiù...) serves as a primary tool for expressing logical reasoning. It connects a known, accepted premise or situation (既然 clause) to a subsequent, logical consequence, suggestion, or decision (就` clause). This structure is not merely about cause and effect, but rather about an inference or a proposed action that logically follows from an established fact.
Think of it as conveying, "Given that X is true, then Y is the natural or necessary next step."
Unlike simple causation, which explains why something happened, 既然... 就... focuses on what to do or what can be concluded now that a certain reality is in place. It implies a shared understanding or acceptance of the initial premise between speaker and listener.
Mastering this pattern allows you to offer advice, express mild resignation, or articulate decisions based on existing circumstances, making your Chinese more nuanced and pragmatic from early stages.
For example, if it's raining, the logical response might be to stay indoors. You would use 既然下雨了，就别出去了。 (Jìrán xiàyǔ le, jiù bié chūqù le.) – "Since it’s raining, then don’t go out." Here, the rain is a given fact, and staying in is the logical action derived from it.
How This Grammar Works
既然... 就... stems from the interplay of its two core components: 既然 (jìrán) and 就 (jiù). Each word contributes distinctly to the logical flow of the sentence.既然 (jìrán): This character combination functions as a conjunction meaning "since," "given that," or "as long as." Its role is to introduce a premise, a known fact, or an accepted situation. This premise is typically something that both the speaker and the listener are already aware of, or something that is self-evident. The 既 in 既然 inherently carries the meaning of "already" or "since (a certain point in time or condition)," emphasizing that the condition is established.然 (rán) means "so" or "thus," hinting at the logical follow-up. When you use 既然, you are laying down a foundational truth upon which the subsequent action or conclusion will be built.既然你不想去，那就不要去了。 (Jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng qù, nà jiù bù yào qù le.) – "Since you don't want to go, then don't go." Here, 你不想去 (you don't want to go) is presented as a non-negotiable fact. The 既然 establishes this as the starting point for any further discussion or action. It sets the stage for a logical deduction rather than a simple cause-and-effect statement.就 (jiù): Following 既然 and its premise, 就 introduces the logical outcome, suggestion, or decision. It acts as a consequential marker, often conveying a sense of promptness, decisiveness, or even a mild imperative. In many contexts, 就 can mean "then," "just," "precisely," or "immediately." In the `既然...就, the connection between the premise and the conclusion would feel incomplete or less direct. For instance, saying 既然你来了，坐下吧。 (Jìrán nǐ lái le, zuòxià ba.) – "Since you've come, sit down." – is grammatically acceptable in some casual contexts but less common. The inclusion of 就 (既然你来了，你就坐下吧。) makes the logical link explicit and stronger, emphasizing that 坐下 (sit down) is the immediate and natural action given that 你来了 (you've come).Formation Pattern
既然... 就... is straightforward, yet it has important nuances regarding subject placement and potential omissions. Mastering this pattern allows for clear and precise logical expression.
既然 (jìrán): Always begins the first clause, introducing the established situation or accepted fact. This fact is typically something both parties are aware of or can easily infer. For example: 既然天气这么好 (Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo) – "Since the weather is so good."
[Premise/Known Fact]: This is the clause stating the existing condition. It can be a simple observation, a known preference, or an agreed-upon truth. 既然 must precede this premise.
[Subject]: This is the subject of the second clause, which performs the action or is the focus of the conclusion. Crucially, 就 almost always follows this subject. If the subject of the second clause is the same as the first, or if it is clearly implied (e.g., "you" or "we" in a general context), it can sometimes be omitted for brevity, especially in spoken Chinese.
就 (jiù): This particle immediately precedes the action, suggestion, or conclusion. Its placement is vital for the logical connection. 就 should not precede the subject of the second clause. For instance, 我们就去 (wǒmen jiù qù) is correct, while 就我们去 (jiù wǒmen qù) is incorrect in this structure.
[Conclusion/Suggestion/Action]: This is the resulting action, decision, or logical inference based on the premise stated in the first clause. It can be an imperative, a statement of resolve, or a question.
既然你喜欢这部电影，我们就一起去看吧。 (Jìrán nǐ xǐhuān zhè bù diànyǐng, wǒmen jiù yīqǐ qù kàn ba.) – Since you like this movie, then let's go watch it together.
既然他已经知道了，你就不用告诉他了。 (Jìrán tā yǐjīng zhīdào le, nǐ jiù bùyòng gàosù tā le.) – Since he already knows, then you don't need to tell him.
既然没有别的办法，就只能这样做。 (Jìrán méiyǒu bié de bànfǎ, jiù zhǐ néng zhèyàng zuò.) – Since there's no other way, then we can only do it like this.
既然饭做好了，就吃饭吧。 (Jìrán fàn zuò hǎo le, jiù chīfàn ba.) – Since the meal is ready, then eat. (Implied: we/everyone eat)
既然: In very informal or casual speech, if the since meaning is strongly implied by the context, 既然 can sometimes be left out. However, this is less common and should be used cautiously by beginners. The presence of 就 often signals the underlying logical premise.
你都来了，就多玩一会儿吧。 (Nǐ dōu lái le, jiù duō wán yīhuìr ba.) – You've already come, then play for a bit longer. (Here, 既然 is implied before 你都来了).
那 (nà) or 那么 (nàme): Occasionally, 那 or 那么 can appear before 就 or even replace it, especially in conversational contexts, to mean "in that case" or "then." This adds a slightly more conversational tone.
既然你不想去，那就算了吧。 (Jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng qù, nà jiù suàn le ba.) – Since you don't want to go, then let's just forget it.
既然已经决定了，那么就去执行吧。 (Jìrán yǐjīng juédìng le, nàme jiù qù zhíxíng ba.) – Since it's already decided, then go execute it.
Jìrán nǐ lái le, nǐ jiù zuòxià ba. | The most standard and explicit form. | | 既然 + [Fact], 就 + [Action] | Since [Fact], then [Action] | 既然下雨了，就别出去了。 | Jìrán xiàyǔ le, jiù bié chūqù le. | Subject of the second clause is omitted if obvious or implied. | | [Fact], 那/那么 + (就) + [Action] | [Fact], in that case then [Action] | 你不想去，那就算了吧。 | Nǐ bù xiǎng qù, nà jiù suàn le ba. | More conversational. 既然 is implied. 就 can be present or absent. |
When To Use It
既然... 就... pattern is a versatile tool for expressing logical inferences and making decisions or suggestions based on established facts. It is particularly useful in situations where you want to present a consequence as a natural or necessary response to a known condition.既然... 就... is ideal for proposing a course of action.既然你不舒服，就好好休息吧。(Jìrán nǐ bù shūfú, jiù hǎohǎo xiūxi ba.) – Since you're not feeling well, then get some good rest.既然明天是周末，我们就去爬山吧！(Jìrán míngtiān shì zhōumò, wǒmen jiù qù páshān ba!) – Since tomorrow is the weekend, then let's go hiking!既然你已经决定了，就不要再犹豫了。(Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, jiù bùyào zài yóuyù le.) – Since you’ve already decided, then don’t hesitate anymore.
既然事情已经发生了，就面对它吧。(Jìrán shìqíng yǐjīng fāshēng le, jiù miànduì tā ba.) – Since the matter has already happened, then face it.既然他不想帮忙，我们就自己做。(Jìrán tā bù xiǎng bāngmáng, wǒmen jiù zìjǐ zuò.) – Since he doesn't want to help, then we'll do it ourselves.既然来不及了，就下次再去。(Jìrán lái bu jí le, jiù xià cì zài qù.) – Since it's too late, then let's go next time.
既然... 就... to gently, but firmly, prompt them to act.既然你知道答案，就告诉我啊。(Jìrán nǐ zhīdào dá'àn, jiù gàosù wǒ a.) – Since you know the answer, then tell me.既然你会开车，就送我回家吧。(Jìrán nǐ huì kāichē, jiù sòng wǒ huí jiā ba.) – Since you can drive, then give me a ride home.既然你来了，就帮我个忙吧。(Jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù bāng wǒ gè máng ba.) – Since you're here, then help me out.
既然你不喜欢，为什么还买？(Jìrán nǐ bù xǐhuān, wèishénme hái mǎi?) – Since you don't like it, why did you still buy it? (Implying an illogical action)既然你懂，为什么不早说？(Jìrán nǐ dǒng, wèishénme bù zǎo shuō?) – Since you understand, why didn't you say so earlier?既然是朋友，为什么不信任我？(Jìrán shì péngyǒu, wèishénme bù xìnrèn wǒ?) – Since we are friends, why don't you trust me?
既然... 就... highlights this logical necessity.既然合同已经签了，我们就按合同办事。(Jìrán hétong yǐjīng qiān le, wǒmen jiù àn hétong bànshì.) – Since the contract has been signed, then we will act according to the contract.既然已经开始，就不能半途而废。(Jìrán yǐjīng kāishǐ, jiù bù néng bàntú'érfèi.) – Since we’ve already started, then we can’t give up halfway.
Common Mistakes
既然... 就... presents several pitfalls. Avoiding these common errors is key to using the structure correctly and sounding natural. Understanding why these are mistakes will solidify your grasp of the pattern.既然... 就... with 因为... 所以... (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...)因为... 所以...(Because... so...): Explains a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The first clause is the reason, and the second is the result. The因为clause often introduces new information or the fundamental reason for something. It answers "Why did X happen?"因为我饿了，所以我吃饭。(Yīnwèi wǒ è le, suǒyǐ wǒ chīfàn.) – Because I was hungry, so I ate. (Hunger is the direct cause of eating.)
既然... 就...(Since... then...): Connects a known premise/fact to a logical inference, decision, or suggestion. The既然clause presents information that is already established or accepted. It answers "Given X is true, what should we do now?" or "What logically follows?"既然你饿了，就吃饭吧。(Jìrán nǐ è le, jiù chīfàn ba.) – Since you're hungry, then eat. (Your hunger is a known fact, and eating is the logical suggestion based on it.)
因为 looks backward at the reason, while 既然 looks forward to the logical consequence or action based on an accepted fact. Do not use 既然 when you are trying to explain the primary reason for an event that might not be commonly known or accepted.既然 for Temporal "Since"既然. 既然 is exclusively for logical premises, not for temporal beginnings.- Incorrect:
既然1990年，我就住在这里。(Incorrect for "Since 1990, I have lived here.") - Correct (for time): Use
自从... 以来...(zìcóng... yǐlái...) or simply从... 开始(cóng... kāishǐ). 自从1990年以来，我就住在这里。(Zìcóng 1990 nián yǐlái, wǒ jiù zhù zài zhèlǐ.) – Since 1990, I have lived here.
既然 = "since (it is true that)"; 自从 = "since (a point in time).".就 in the Second Clause就 is almost always mandatory in Chinese for 既然... 就... structures. Omitting 就 makes the sentence feel incomplete, grammatically awkward, and breaks the explicit logical connection.- Incorrect:
既然下雨了，别出去了。(Jìrán xiàyǔ le, bié chūqù le.) – Since it's raining, don't go out. (Sounds abrupt and incomplete) - Correct:
既然下雨了，就别出去了。(Jìrán xiàyǔ le, jiù bié chūqù le.) – Since it's raining, then don't go out. (Explicit logical connection)
就 acts as the necessary glue for the logical inference. While in very casual contexts 既然 can sometimes be implied, 就 is almost non-negotiable for clarity and grammatical soundness.就就 should generally follow the subject of the second clause. Placing it before the subject is a common error stemming from English word order.- Incorrect:
既然你来了，就你坐下吧。(Jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù nǐ zuòxià ba.) – (Attempting to say: Since you've come, then you sit down.) - Correct:
既然你来了，你就坐下吧。(Jìrán nǐ lái le, nǐ jiù zuòxià ba.) – Since you've come, then you sit down.
就 will then precede the verb directly.既然很晚了，就睡觉吧。(Jìrán hěn wǎn le, jiù shuìjiào ba.) – Since it's late, then go to sleep.
[Subject] + 就 + [Verb/Action] in the second clause.既然 for Unconfirmed or Future Reasons既然 implies that the premise is an established fact or accepted truth. It is less suitable for introducing a hypothetical situation or a reason that is not yet confirmed.- Incorrect:
既然他会来，我就准备好。(Implies his coming is a definite fact, even if it's uncertain.) - Better (if uncertain):
如果他会来，我就准备好。(Rúguǒ tā huì lái, wǒ jiù zhǔnbèi hǎo.) – If he comes, I will prepare. (Using如果... 就...for conditional sentences.)
既然 clause refers to something concrete and agreed upon.既然... 就... and use it confidently.Real Conversations
To truly grasp 既然... 就..., observing its application in authentic daily conversations is essential. This pattern is highly versatile, appearing in casual chats, online interactions, and even more structured discussions, reflecting its pragmatic nature in Chinese communication. The tone can vary from gentle suggestion to firm resignation, depending on context and accompanying particles.
Scenario 1
- A: 今天天气真好，可是我不知道去哪里玩。 (Jīntiān tiānqì zhēn hǎo, kěshì wǒ bù zhīdào qù nǎlǐ wán.) – The weather is really good today, but I don't know where to go.
- B: 既然天气这么好，我们就去公园野餐吧！ (Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù gōngyuán yěcān ba!) – Since the weather is so good, then let's go have a picnic in the park!
Here, the good weather is an agreed-upon fact, leading to a natural suggestion for an outdoor activity.
Scenario 2
- C: 哎呀，我的手机电池快没电了，还没带充电宝。 (Āiyā, wǒ de shǒujī diànchí kuài méi diàn le, hái méi dài chōngdiànbǎo.) – Oh no, my phone battery is almost dead, and I didn't bring my power bank.
- D: 既然没电了，就省着点用吧，或者找个地方充电。 (Jìrán méi diàn le, jiù shěngzhe diǎn yòng ba, huòzhě zhǎo gè dìfāng chōngdiàn.) – Since it's out of battery, then use it sparingly, or find a place to charge.
The low battery is a given. The response offers practical, logical steps in light of that reality.
Scenario 3
- E: 爸爸，我作业太多了，不想做。 (Bàba, wǒ zuòyè tài duō le, bù xiǎng zuò.) – Dad, I have too much homework, I don't want to do it.
- F: 既然是你的责任，你就得把它完成。 (Jìrán shì nǐ de zérèn, nǐ jiù děi bǎ tā wánchéng.) – Since it’s your responsibility, then you must complete it.
This highlights a known fact (responsibility) to logically enforce an action (completion).
Scenario 4
- G: 他说他不知道这个消息。 (Tā shuō tā bù zhīdào zhège xiāoxī.) – He said he didn't know this news.
- H: 既然他当时也在场，怎么会不知道呢？ (Jìrán tā dāngshí yě zài chǎng, zěnme huì bù zhīdào ne?) – Since he was also present at the time, how could he not know?
Here, 既然 sets up the premise to question the veracity of his statement.
Scenario 5
- Message 1: 你今天有空吗？ (Nǐ jīntiān yǒu kòng ma?) – Are you free today?
- Message 2: 有啊。 (Yǒu a.) – Yes.
- Message 1: 既然有空，就出来一起吃个饭吧。 (Jìrán yǒu kòng, jiù chūlái yīqǐ chī gè fàn ba.) – Since you're free, then come out and eat together.
In rapid online communication, 既然... 就... provides a quick and clear way to move from a stated condition to a suggestion.
These examples demonstrate how 既然... 就... is integrated naturally into different communicative acts, always linking an accepted truth to a logical consequence or action.
Quick FAQ
既然... 就... grammar pattern, designed to clarify frequent points of confusion for learners.既然 (jìrán)?既然 can sometimes be omitted if the premise is extremely clear from the preceding conversation or situation. The presence of 就 often signals that a logical premise is being responded to. However, for learners at the A1 level, it is safer and clearer to include 既然 to ensure the logical connection is explicit.- Example of omission:
你都来了，就多坐一会儿吧。(Nǐ dōu lái le, jiù duō zuò yīhuìr ba.) – You've already come, then sit for a bit longer. (Implied: Since you've already come...)
就 (jiù) always necessary? Can it be omitted?既然, 就 is almost always necessary in the 既然... 就... structure to explicitly establish the logical link between the premise and the conclusion/action. Omitting 就 can make the sentence sound incomplete, grammatically awkward, or lack the intended logical force.就.- Incorrect:
既然很晚了，睡觉吧。(Sounds like two separate statements) - Correct:
既然很晚了，就睡觉吧。(Jìrán hěn wǎn le, jiù shuìjiào ba.) – Since it’s late, then go to sleep.
那 (nà) or 那么 (nàme) replace or be used with 就?那 (nà) or 那么 (nàme), both meaning "then" or "in that case," can sometimes be used in conjunction with 就 or, less commonly, replace it in the second clause. This often adds a slightly more conversational or emphatic tone, subtly shifting the focus towards "in that particular case, then this." When used, they usually precede 就.既然你不喜欢，那就算了吧。(Jìrán nǐ bù xǐhuān, nà jiù suàn le ba.) – Since you don't like it, then in that case, let's just forget it.既然你已经决定了，那么就去做吧。(Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, nàme jiù qù zuò ba.) – Since you've already decided, then go do it.
既然... 就... without 那 or 那么 is sufficient. Introduce these variations as you become more comfortable.既然... 就... pattern is generally neutral in formality. It is widely used in both everyday casual conversations and in more structured or semi-formal discussions.- Casual:
既然你饿了，就吃点水果吧。(Jìrán nǐ è le, jiù chī diǎn shuǐguǒ ba.) – Since you're hungry, then eat some fruit. - Semi-formal:
既然时间紧迫，我们就必须加快进度。(Jìrán shíjiān jǐnpò, wǒmen jiù bìxū jiākuài jìndù.) – Since time is pressing, then we must accelerate progress.
既然 have any classical Chinese origins that are relevant?既 (jì) in classical Chinese meant "already" or "since (a certain point/condition)." It functioned as an adverb or conjunction. 然 (rán) often followed verbs or adjectives to form adverbs, meaning "so" or "thus." The combination 既然 therefore naturally evolved to mean "since (it is already so)." Understanding this etymology reinforces the idea that 既然 sets up an established truth or an "already happened" condition, from which a logical conclusion follows. This deep-rooted meaning is why 既然 is strictly for logical premises and not for introducing new, unconfirmed reasons or temporal periods.Structure Breakdown
| Part 1 | Subject | Premise | Part 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
既然
|
你
|
累了
|
就
|
休息
|
|
既然
|
下雨
|
了
|
就
|
不去
|
|
既然
|
没票
|
了
|
就
|
回家
|
|
既然
|
大家都
|
同意
|
就
|
开始
|
|
既然
|
你
|
喜欢
|
就
|
买吧
|
|
既然
|
时间
|
不够
|
就
|
明天
|
Meanings
This structure is used to acknowledge a situation that is already known or accepted, and then draw a logical conclusion or course of action from it.
Logical Deduction
Drawing a conclusion based on a known premise.
“{既然|jìrán}你累了，{就|jiù}休息吧。”
“{既然|jìrán}大家都到了，我们{就|jiù}开始吧。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
既然...就...
|
{既然|jìrán}你饿了，{就|jiù}吃吧。
|
|
Negative
|
既然...就...不...
|
{既然|jìrán}你不去，我{就|jiù}不去。
|
|
Question
|
既然...为什么不...?
|
{既然|jìrán}你在这，为什么不{就|jiù}告诉我？
|
|
Past Tense
|
既然...就...
|
{既然|jìrán}他说了，我{就|jiù}信了。
|
|
Future Tense
|
既然...就...
|
{既然|jìrán}明天有空，我们{就|jiù}去吧。
|
|
Short Answer
|
既然...就...
|
A: 他不去。 B: {既然|jìrán}他不去，那我们{就|jiù}走吧。
|
Formality Spectrum
既然各位已到齐，我们便开始吧。 (Meeting)
既然大家都到了，我们就开始吧。 (Meeting)
既然都到了，就开整吧。 (Meeting)
既然人齐了，搞起！ (Meeting)
Logical Flow
Premise
- Fact Known truth
Conclusion
- Action Logical result
Examples by Level
{既然|jìrán}你饿了，我们{就|jiù}吃饭吧。
Since you are hungry, let's eat.
{既然|jìrán}下雨了，我们{就|jiù}在家吧。
Since it is raining, let's stay home.
{既然|jìrán}你来了，{就|jiù}坐下吧。
Since you are here, sit down.
{既然|jìrán}没钱了，我们{就|jiù}不买了。
Since we have no money, we won't buy it.
{既然|jìrán}你不喜欢，那我们{就|jiù}换一个吧。
Since you don't like it, let's change it.
{既然|jìrán}明天没课，我们{就|jiù}去旅游吧。
Since there is no class tomorrow, let's go travel.
{既然|jìrán}你已经决定了，我{就|jiù}支持你。
Since you have already decided, I will support you.
{既然|jìrán}大家都没意见，我们{就|jiù}开始吧。
Since no one has an objection, let's start.
{既然|jìrán}事情已经发生了，后悔也{就|jiù}没用了。
Since it has already happened, regret is useless.
{既然|jìrán}你这么有信心，我们{就|jiù}试一试吧。
Since you are so confident, let's give it a try.
{既然|jìrán}他不想去，我们{就|jiù}别勉强他了。
Since he doesn't want to go, let's not force him.
{既然|jìrán}这是公司的规定，我们{就|jiù}必须遵守。
Since this is company policy, we must follow it.
{既然|jìrán}双方都同意了，我们{就|jiù}签署合同吧。
Since both parties have agreed, let's sign the contract.
{既然|jìrán}你已经掌握了基础，我们{就|jiù}进入下一阶段。
Since you have mastered the basics, let's move to the next stage.
{既然|jìrán}情况有变，我们的计划也{就|jiù}需要调整。
Since the situation has changed, our plan needs adjustment.
{既然|jìrán}你这么说，我{就|jiù}相信你一次。
Since you say so, I will trust you this once.
{既然|jìrán}历史已经证明了这一点，我们{就|jiù}不应重蹈覆辙。
Since history has proven this, we should not repeat the same mistakes.
{既然|jìrán}这是不可避免的趋势，我们{就|jiù}必须积极应对。
Since this is an inevitable trend, we must respond proactively.
{既然|jìrán}你已经承担了责任，那我们{就|jiù}共同解决问题。
Since you have taken responsibility, let's solve the problem together.
{既然|jìrán}外界环境如此恶劣，我们{就|jiù}更要团结一致。
Since the external environment is so harsh, we must be even more united.
{既然|jìrán}天命难违，我们{就|jiù}顺其自然吧。
Since fate is hard to defy, let's just go with the flow.
{既然|jìrán}真理掌握在少数人手中，我们{就|jiù}更要坚持己见。
Since truth is in the hands of the few, we must persist in our views.
{既然|jìrán}此路不通，我们{就|jiù}另辟蹊径。
Since this path is blocked, let's find another way.
{既然|jìrán}你我志同道合，{就|jiù}不必拘泥于这些小节。
Since we are like-minded, there is no need to be constrained by these trifles.
Easily Confused
Both express cause, but 既然 is for deduction.
如果 is for hypothetical, 既然 is for real facts.
所以 is for consequence, 就 is for immediate action.
Common Mistakes
既然你累，休息。
既然你累，就休息。
因为你累，就休息。
既然你累，就休息。
既然你累了休息。
既然你累了，就休息。
就你累了，既然休息。
既然你累了，就休息。
既然下雨，所以不去。
既然下雨，就不去。
既然你没钱，就买吧。
既然你没钱，就不买吧。
既然你，就去。
既然你去了，我就去。
既然他想去，那我们就去吧。
既然他想去，我们就去吧。
既然是这样，所以我们走。
既然是这样，我们就走。
既然你决定，就应该做了。
既然你决定了，就去做吧。
既然如此，所以我们必须...
既然如此，我们必须...
Sentence Patterns
既然___，就___。
既然___，我们___。
既然___，那___就___。
既然___，我们___就___。
Real World Usage
既然你到了，就进来吧。
既然大家同意，我们就执行。
既然没票了，我们就改天。
既然没货了，就换一个。
既然看到了，就点个赞。
既然我有这个机会，就一定会努力。
Use the comma
Don't forget 就
Subject placement
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use 既然 to justify your choice.
Use 既然 to explain why.
Use 既然 to show you heard them.
Use 既然 to base advice on facts.
Pronunciation
Tone of 既然
Jìrán: 4th tone + 2nd tone.
Logical pause
既然... (pause) ...就...
Emphasizes the premise.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Since' as a bridge. {既然|jìrán} is the start of the bridge, {就|jiù} is the end where you arrive at your decision.
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. On one side, you place a heavy fact (既然). On the other side, the action (就) naturally lifts up because of the weight of the fact.
Rhyme
Since you know it, use {既然|jìrán}, then the result, use {就|jiù} right in.
Story
Xiao Wang is hungry. He knows there is a restaurant nearby. He says: '{既然|jìrán}饿了，{就|jiù}去吃面吧'. He walks in and orders. The logic is clear and simple.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using {既然|jìrán}...{就|jiù} about your current situation today.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in workplace settings to show consensus.
Similar usage, often slightly softer tone.
Often mixed with particles like 'lah'.
Derived from classical Chinese logical markers.
Conversation Starters
既然明天放假，你打算做什么？
既然你已经学了中文，你觉得难吗？
既然我们意见不合，该怎么办？
既然技术在进步，我们该如何适应？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
既然你累了，___休息吧。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
既然下雨，我们不去。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Since you are here, let's start.
Answer starts with: 既然你...
A: 我没钱。 B: ___
Use 既然 and 就.
既然你决定了 / 我就支持你
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises既然你累了，___休息吧。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
既然下雨，我们不去。
就 / 既然 / 休息 / 你 / 累了
Since you are here, let's start.
A: 我没钱。 B: ___
Use 既然 and 就.
既然你决定了 / 我就支持你
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMatch these clauses:
既然你很忙，我 ___ 不打扰你了。
既然 / 去 / 吧 / 我们 / 来了 / 就
Which word corresponds to 'Since' in this pattern?
既然是很晚，就睡觉吧。
How do you say: 'Since you know, tell me.'
既然 ___ 来了，就玩得开心点！ (Since we are already here...)
When is it best to use this pattern?
既然天气不好，我们出去就不玩了。
便宜 / 就 / 买 / 既然 / 两个
___ 1990年，我就住在这里。(Since 1990, I have lived here.)
Match meanings:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, it sounds incomplete. Always use them together.
It is neutral and used in all settings.
No, that is redundant. Use 就 instead.
No, but it often is.
It works for both.
因为 is for cause, 既然 is for deduction.
Yes, it is very common in writing.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Since... then...
English often omits 'then'.
Ya que... entonces...
Spanish uses different verb moods.
Da... dann...
German word order changes.
せっかく...なら...
Japanese implies effort.
بما أن... إذن...
Arabic is more formal.
既然...就...
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Advanced Causality: So... That (以致, 致使, 从而)
Overview Mastering advanced causal connectors is a hallmark of the C2 level, allowing you to articulate complex cause-a...
Doing two things at once (一边...一边)
Overview In Chinese, expressing two actions occurring simultaneously is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. The...
Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."
Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
Overview The structure **`一...就...` (yī...jiù...)** is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency patterns in Man...
