Since... Then... (既然... 就...): Making Logical Suggestions
既然... 就... to state a known fact and propose a logical next step or conclusion.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {既然|jìrán} to state a known fact, and {就|jiù} to propose a logical action or conclusion based on that fact.
- Use {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 suggestion or conclusion.
- The subject can go before or after {既然|jìrán} depending on emphasis.
Overview
Mastering Chinese conjunctions is pivotal for expressing complex ideas, and the pair 既然... 就... (jìrán... jiù...) stands out for its unique blend of logic and subtle attitude.
This structure allows you to articulate a logical consequence or a sensible suggestion based on a known, established fact. Unlike a simple 'because' statement, 既然... 就... carries an implication of 'given this undeniable situation, then naturally (or as a reasonable response) we should...' It signals acceptance of a premise and moves directly to a pragmatic next step.
At the A1 level, understanding this pattern will significantly enhance your ability to make decisions, give advice, and respond to real-world scenarios in Chinese. It's a foundational tool for moving beyond simple sentence structures to more nuanced and fluid communication. You'll encounter it frequently in everyday conversations, from making plans with friends to discussing simple problems.
Consider a situation where you discover your friend is already at the café. You wouldn't say 'Because you are here, we will drink coffee.' Instead, you'd more naturally say, '既然你来了，我们就一起喝咖啡吧。' (jìrán nǐ lái le, wǒmen jiù yìqǐ hē kāfēi ba - Since you've arrived, let's drink coffee together). This structure reflects a highly pragmatic aspect of Chinese communication, where acknowledging a situation logically leads to an immediate, appropriate action or conclusion.
How This Grammar Works
既然... 就... functions as a pair of correlative conjunctions, linking two clauses: one stating a known premise and the other presenting a logical conclusion or action. The emphasis is on the factual, undisputed nature of the first clause and the direct, often implied, response in the second.既然 (jìrán): Establishing the Premise既然 introduces the first clause and signals that the information contained within it is a known, accepted, or undeniable fact. This isn't a guess, a hypothesis, or a past event you're merely recounting; it's a present reality or a firmly established truth shared by both speakers.- Factual Basis: The situation described after
既然must be a confirmed reality. For example,既然你已经吃饱了(jìrán nǐ yǐjīng chībǎo le - Since you are already full) implies you've observed or been told this is true. You cannot use既然for something hypothetical or uncertain, like 'if it rains tomorrow.' - Shared Understanding: Using
既然often suggests that the fact is mutually understood or has just become clear. This creates a basis for the subsequent deduction.
就 (jiù): Signifying the Logical Outcome就 introduces the second clause and indicates that what follows is a logical, natural, or immediate consequence, suggestion, or decision stemming directly from the premise established by 既然. It functions similarly to 'then,' 'therefore,' 'in that case,' or 'might as well' in English, but with a stronger sense of directness.- Direct Consequence: The action or conclusion in the
就clause is presented as the most logical or inevitable response to the既然clause. For instance, if既然你病了(jìrán nǐ bìng le - Since you're sick), the logical outcome is就应该休息(jiù yīnggāi xiūxi - then you should rest). - Pragmatic Action:
就often suggests a practical course of action. It takes the established fact and translates it into an actionable step or a reasoned deduction. It can carry a persuasive tone, urging a particular response.
既然 and 就 form a powerful duo that enables you to link an accepted reality to a fitting next step, making your Chinese expressions both logical and natural. The structure conveys not just cause and effect, but a more nuanced relationship of 'given X, then Y is the appropriate response.'既然你喜欢，就买吧。(jìrán nǐ xǐhuan, jiù mǎi ba - Since you like it, then buy it.) (Fact: You like it. Logical action: Buy it.)既然他不在，我们就先走。(jìrán tā bú zài, wǒmen jiù xiān zǒu - Since he's not here, then let's go first.) (Fact: He's not here. Logical action: We leave first.)
Formation Pattern
既然... 就... involves a clear, consistent pattern, but careful attention to subject placement is essential. The basic formula is:
既然 + Premise (Clause 1), [Subject] + 就 + Conclusion/Action (Clause 2).
既然 Clause (Premise)
既然: 既然 typically precedes the subject of the first clause, but can also follow it. Both are correct and common.
既然 [Subject] [Verb/Phrase]...
既然你很忙，... (jìrán nǐ hěn máng, - Since you are very busy, ...)
[Subject] 既然 [Verb/Phrase]...
你既然很忙，... (nǐ jìrán hěn máng, - You, since you are very busy, ...)
既然 at the very beginning often slightly emphasizes the premise itself, while placing it after the subject can feel a touch more casual or conversational, sometimes highlighting the subject's role in the premise.
了 (le): It is very common to see 了 after the main verb or at the end of the 既然 clause, especially when the premise describes an action that has already occurred or a state that has been realized.
既然他已经来了，... (jìrán tā yǐjīng lái le, - Since he has already arrived, ...)
就 Clause (Conclusion/Action)
就. This is a non-negotiable rule. 就 cannot stand alone at the beginning of its clause if there is a distinct subject for that clause.
[Subject] 就 [Verb/Phrase].
我们就点外卖吧。 (wǒmen jiù diǎn wàimài ba - then let's order takeout.)
就 [Subject] [Verb/Phrase].
就我们点外卖吧。 (This is grammatically incorrect and will sound unnatural.)
既然.
既然病了，就应该多休息。 (jìrán bìng le, jiù yīnggāi duō xiūxi - Since [you/I] are sick, [you/I] should rest more.) (Here, the subject is inferred from context.)
你既然病了，就应该多休息。 (nǐ jìrán bìng le, jiù yīnggāi duō xiūxi - Since you are sick, you should rest more.)
就 Clause:
吧 (ba): Often added at the end of the sentence to soften a suggestion or proposal.
既然下雨了，我们就别出去了吧。 (jìrán xiàyǔ le, wǒmen jiù bié chūqù le ba - Since it's raining, let's not go out.)
那 (nà): The word 那 (meaning 'then' or 'in that case') can be placed before 就 (forming 那就) for added emphasis or a more conversational flow. This is very common in spoken Chinese.
既然你喜欢，那就买吧。 (jìrán nǐ xǐhuan, nà jiù mǎi ba - Since you like it, then just buy it.)
既然 S1 V, S2 就 V. | 既然你很忙，我就帮你吧。 | jìrán nǐ hěn máng, wǒ jiù bāng nǐ ba. | Since you're busy, I'll help you. |
S1 既然 V, S2 就 V. | 你既然很忙，我就帮你吧。 | nǐ jìrán hěn máng, wǒ jiù bāng nǐ ba. | You, since you're busy, I'll help you. |
既然 V了, S 就 V. (Shared S) | 既然来了，就多玩几天吧。 | jìrán lái le, jiù duō wán jǐ tiān ba. | Since you've come, then play for a few more days. |
既然 S V, S 那就 V. | 既然你饿了，那我们就去吃饭。 | jìrán nǐ è le, nà wǒmen jiù qù chīfàn. | Since you're hungry, then let's go eat. |
When To Use It
既然... 就... structure is incredibly versatile and frequently used across various contexts in daily Chinese communication. It's particularly useful for:- Scenario: It's raining heavily, and you planned to go for a walk.
- Example:
既然下雨了，我们就别出去了吧。(jìrán xiàyǔ le, wǒmen jiù bié chūqù le ba - Since it's raining, let's not go out.) - Scenario: Your friend has expressed a preference for a particular dish.
- Example:
既然你喜欢吃火锅，我们就去那家店。(jìrán nǐ xǐhuan chī huǒguō, wǒmen jiù qù nà jiā diàn - Since you like eating hotpot, then let's go to that restaurant.)
就 clause isn't a suggestion but an unavoidable consequence or an obvious deduction based on the 既然 clause. This can sometimes carry a tone of resignation or a simple statement of fact.- Scenario: Someone hasn't studied for an exam.
- Example:
既然他没努力，就别抱怨结果。(jìrán tā méi nǔlì, jiù bié bàoyuàn jiéguǒ - Since he didn't try, then don't complain about the result.) - Scenario: A plan has changed, and it's clear what needs to happen next.
- Example:
既然火车取消了，我们就只能坐巴士了。(jìrán huǒchē qǔxiāo le, wǒmen jiù zhǐ néng zuò bāshì le - Since the train was cancelled, then we can only take the bus.)
既然... 就... makes the advice appear well-founded and necessary.- Scenario: Your colleague is clearly unwell.
- Example:
既然你不舒服，就回家休息吧。(jìrán nǐ bù shūfú, jiù huí jiā xiūxi ba - Since you're not feeling well, then go home and rest.) - Scenario: You've just learned someone is already awake.
- Example:
既然你醒了，就起来吃饭吧。(jìrán nǐ xǐng le, jiù qǐlái chīfàn ba - Since you're awake, then get up and eat.)
- Scenario: A mistake has been made, and there's no turning back.
- Example:
既然事情已经发生了，我们就一起面对吧。(jìrán shìqing yǐjīng fāshēng le, wǒmen jiù yìqǐ miànduì ba - Since it's already happened, then let's face it together.)
Common Mistakes
既然... 就... correctly from the start. Learners often make these mistakes due to interference from their native language or by confusing it with similar-looking structures.就 in the Second ClauseSince you're tired, go to sleep.). In Chinese, 就 (or a suitable alternative like 那) is crucial for creating the grammatical link and signaling the logical consequence. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete and disjointed.- Incorrect:
既然你累了，去睡觉。(jìrán nǐ lèi le, qù shuìjiào - Sounds like two unrelated clauses.) - Correct:
既然你累了，就去睡觉吧。(jìrán nǐ lèi le, jiù qù shuìjiào ba - Since you're tired, then go to sleep.)
就 acts as the necessary bridge, transforming a mere statement of fact followed by an action into a cohesive 'given-that-therefore' logical sequence.既然 for Hypothetical Situations既然 is strictly for established facts or undeniable realities. It cannot be used for 'if' scenarios, future predictions, or guesses. This is a crucial distinction between 既然... 就... and 如果... 就....- Incorrect:
既然明天会下雨，我就不去公园了。(jìrán míngtiān huì xiàyǔ, wǒ jiù bú qù gōngyuán le - Unless the rain is an absolute, confirmed certainty, like a typhoon warning, this is usually wrong.) - Correct (for hypothetical):
如果明天会下雨，我就不去公园了。(rúguǒ míngtiān huì xiàyǔ, wǒ jiù bú qù gōngyuán le - If it rains tomorrow, I won't go to the park.)
就就 clause must immediately precede 就. Swapping their order makes the sentence grammatically awkward.- Incorrect:
既然很晚了，就我回家吧。(jìrán hěn wǎn le, jiù wǒ huí jiā ba - Incorrect order.) - Correct:
既然很晚了，我就回家吧。(jìrán hěn wǎn le, wǒ jiù huí jiā ba - Since it's late, then I'll go home.)
既然... 就... with 因为... 所以... (yīnwèi... suǒyǐ...)因为... 所以...(Because... Therefore...): Explains an objective cause and effect. It states why something happened or is true, focusing on factual reasoning. There's no inherent suggestion or 'attitude' of acceptance or pragmatic response.- Example:
因为他生病了，所以没来上班。(yīnwèi tā shēngbìng le, suǒyǐ méi lái shàngbān - Because he is sick, therefore he didn't come to work.) (Objective reason for absence).
既然... 就...(Since... Then...): Acknowledges a known premise and leads to a logical conclusion, suggestion, or decision. It carries a subjective implication of 'given this, let's do this' or 'this is the natural consequence.'- Example:
既然他生病了，就让他好好休息吧。(jìrán tā shēngbìng le, jiù ràng tā hǎohǎo xiūxi ba - Since he is sick, then let him rest well.) (Acknowledging his sickness leads to a suggestion).
因为... 所以... | 既然... 就... |既然... 就... with 如果... 就... (rúguǒ... jiù...)如果... 就...(If... Then...): Expresses a hypothetical condition. It deals with possibilities or future events that might happen. The 'if' clause presents a condition that may or may not be met.- Example:
如果下雨，我们就不去公园。(rúguǒ xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù gōngyuán - If it rains, we won't go to the park.) (Rain is a possibility).
既然... 就...(Since... Then...): Refers to a real, existing, or already happened fact. The 'since' clause is not a condition but a confirmed reality.- Example:
既然下雨了，我们就不去公园了。(jìrán xiàyǔ le, wǒmen jiù bú qù gōngyuán le - Since it's raining (now), we won't go to the park.) (Rain is a present reality).
如果... 就... | 既然... 就... |Real Conversations
To truly grasp 既然... 就..., observe how native speakers integrate it into everyday communication. This structure is a hallmark of natural, fluent Chinese, appearing in informal texts and more formal discussions alike. Its adaptability comes from its pragmatic utility – acknowledging a truth and acting upon it.
1. Texting with Friends (Informal)
- Scenario: You're meeting a friend, but they're running late.
- Friend: 我堵车了，可能会晚到十分钟。 (wǒ dǔchē le, kěnéng huì wǎndào shí fēnzhōng - I'm in traffic, might be ten minutes late.)
- You: 既然你堵车了，那我就先点菜吧。 (jìrán nǐ dǔchē le, nà wǒ jiù xiān diǎncài ba - Since you're stuck in traffic, then I'll just order first.)
Explanation
堵车了), leading to a logical, practical response (先点菜). Notice 那就 for a more casual, emphatic 'then.'- Scenario: A friend says they don't feel like cooking.
- Friend: 我今天不想做饭。 (wǒ jīntiān bù xiǎng zuòfàn - I don't feel like cooking today.)
- You: 既然你不想做饭，我们就叫外卖。 (jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng zuòfàn, wǒmen jiù jiào wàimài - Since you don't feel like cooking, then let's order takeout.)
Explanation
不想做饭) leads directly to a convenient solution (叫外卖).2. Workplace Discussions (Slightly More Formal)
- Scenario: A project deadline has been confirmed.
- Colleague 1: 客户已经确认了下周的截止日期。 (kèhù yǐjīng quèrèn le xià zhōu de jiézhǐ rìqī - The client has confirmed next week's deadline.)
- Colleague 2: 既然截止日期定了，我们就得加快进度了。 (jìrán jiézhǐ rìqī dìng le, wǒmen jiù děi jiākuài jìndù le - Since the deadline is set, then we have to speed up our progress.)
Explanation
截止日期定了) necessitates an action (加快进度). The tone is professional and problem-oriented.- Scenario: A meeting has ended earlier than expected.
- Manager: 会议提前结束了。 (huìyì tíqián jiéshù le - The meeting ended early.)
- Employee: 既然会议结束了，我就回去处理邮件。 (jìrán huìyì jiéshù le, wǒ jiù huíqù chǔlǐ yóujiàn - Since the meeting is over, then I'll go back to deal with emails.)
Explanation
会议结束了) leads to a natural, productive next task (处理邮件).3. Casual Observations and Advice
- Scenario: You see someone struggling with a heavy bag.
- You: 既然你拿不动，我就帮你吧。 (jìrán nǐ ná bù dòng, wǒ jiù bāng nǐ ba - Since you can't carry it, then I'll help you.)
Explanation
拿不动) prompts an offer of assistance (帮你).- Scenario: A child doesn't want to finish their food.
- Parent: 既然你不想吃，就别吃了。 (jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng chī, jiù bié chī le - Since you don't want to eat, then don't eat.)
Explanation
不想吃) leads to a direct permission (别吃了).These examples illustrate that 既然... 就... is not merely a grammatical rule but a practical communication tool. It helps speakers navigate situations by acknowledging reality and formulating a logical, appropriate response, whether it's a suggestion, a decision, or a statement of an inevitable outcome.
Quick FAQ
既然... 就...:那 (nà) instead of 就 (jiù)?Yes, absolutely! In spoken and informal Chinese, 那 (meaning 'then' or 'in that case') is a very common alternative to 就, especially when you want a slightly softer or more conversational tone. You can even combine them for extra emphasis: 既然... 那就... (jìrán... nà jiù...). This 那就 construction is highly natural in casual chats.
- Example:
既然你不饿，那我们就不吃了。(jìrán nǐ bú è, nà wǒmen jiù bù chī le - Since you're not hungry, then we won't eat.)
就 clause always have to be a suggestion?No. While it's frequently used for suggestions, the 就 clause can also express a logical deduction, an inevitable outcome, or a statement of fact that naturally follows the premise. The key is that it's a direct, logical response to the 既然 clause.
- Example (deduction):
既然你没带伞，就肯定会淋湿。(jìrán nǐ méi dài sǎn, jiù kěndìng huì línshī - Since you didn't bring an umbrella, then you'll definitely get wet.) - Example (inevitable outcome):
既然他选择离开，我们就尊重他的决定。(jìrán tā xuǎnzé líkāi, wǒmen jiù zūnzhòng tā de juédìng - Since he chose to leave, then we respect his decision.)
既然 be omitted, and I just use 就?In very informal, fast-paced conversations, or when the premise is blindingly obvious from context, native speakers might occasionally omit 既然. However, as a learner, it is strongly recommended to always include 既然 to build solid grammatical habits and ensure your meaning is clear. Omitting it too early can lead to ambiguity or sound grammatically incomplete to native speakers who aren't familiar with your specific context.
既然... 就... is remarkably versatile and can appear in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality largely depends on the vocabulary and surrounding phrases you use. You can find it in official reports (既然合同已经签署，... - Since the contract has been signed, ...) as well as casual banter among friends (既然你在这儿，帮我拿一下！ - Since you're here, help me grab this!). It's about the logical connection, not an inherent formality level.
就 in the second clause?Yes, adverbs like 都 (dōu - all, already), 才 (cái - only then), or 也 (yě - also) can sometimes precede 就 for added nuance, but remember the golden rule: the subject must still come before 就 and any other adverbs. These adverbs modify the entire action or conclusion introduced by 就.
- Example:
既然大家都同意，那我们就都开始吧。(jìrán dàjiā dōu tóngyì, nà wǒmen jiù dōu kāishǐ ba - Since everyone agrees, then let's all start.)
既然... 就... with greater precision and confidence, making your Chinese sound more natural and sophisticated.Structure Breakdown
| Part | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
既然
|
Premise/Fact
|
既然你累了
|
|
Subject
|
Actor
|
你
|
|
就
|
Logical Bridge
|
就
|
|
Result
|
Action/Conclusion
|
早点休息
|
Meanings
This structure links a known fact or premise to a logical conclusion, often used to make suggestions or justify decisions.
Logical Deduction
Drawing a conclusion from a stated fact.
“{既然|jìrán}{天气|tiānqì}{不好|bùhǎo}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{不|bù}{去|qù}{公园|gōngyuán}{了|le}。”
“{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{没|méi}{钱|qián}，{就|jiù}{别|bié}{买|mǎi}{那|nà}{个|gè}{手机|shǒujī}{了|le}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
既然 + Fact + 就 + Action
|
既然下雨，就带伞。
|
|
Negative
|
既然 + Fact + 就 + 不 + Action
|
既然不想去，就别去。
|
|
Emphasis
|
既然 + Fact + 那 + 就 + Action
|
既然你喜欢，那我就买。
|
|
Question
|
既然 + Fact + 为什么 + 不 + Action?
|
既然你饿，为什么不吃？
|
|
Past Tense
|
既然 + Fact(past) + 就 + Action
|
既然他说了，我就信了。
|
Formality Spectrum
既然您事务繁忙，我们便另择时间。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你很忙，那我们就改天吧。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你忙，那改天呗。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你忙，那下次再说。 (Professional vs Casual)
Logical Flow
Premise
- Fact Known truth
Connector
- 就 Then/So
Result
- Action Logical step
Examples by Level
{既然|jìrán}{累|lèi}，{就|jiù}{睡|shuì}。
Since you are tired, sleep.
{既然|jìrán}{饿|è}，{就|jiù}{吃|chī}。
Since you are hungry, eat.
{既然|jìrán}{冷|lěng}，{就|jiù}{穿|chuān}{衣服|yīfu}。
Since it's cold, wear clothes.
{既然|jìrán}{好|hǎo}，{就|jiù}{买|mǎi}。
Since it's good, buy it.
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{没|méi}{空|kòng}，{那|nà}{就|jiù}{明天|míngtiān}{再|zài}{去|qù}。
Since you are busy, let's go tomorrow.
{既然|jìrán}{他|tā}{不|bù}{想|xiǎng}{学|xué}，{就|jiù}{别|bié}{强迫|qiǎngpò}{他|tā}。
Since he doesn't want to learn, don't force him.
{既然|jìrán}{都|dōu}{来|lái}{了|le}，{就|jiù}{玩|wán}{一会|yīhuì}{儿|er}。
Since we are here, let's play for a while.
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{知道|zhīdào}，{就|jiù}{告诉|gàosù}{我|wǒ}。
Since you know, tell me.
{既然|jìrán}{我们|wǒmen}{已经|yǐjīng}{决定|juédìng}{了|le}，{就|jiù}{不要|bùyào}{再|zài}{改变|gǎibiànbiàn}{计划|jìhuà}{了|le}。
Since we have already decided, let's not change the plan.
{既然|jìrán}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{项目|xiàngmù}{这么|zhème}{重要|zhòngyào}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{必须|bìxū}{全力以赴|quánlìyǐfù}。
Since this project is so important, we must give it our all.
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{有|yǒu}{这么|zhème}{多|duō}{经验|jīngyàn}，{就|jiù}{应该|yīnggāi}{分享|fēnxiǎng}{给|gěi}{大家|dàjiā}。
Since you have so much experience, you should share it with everyone.
{既然|jìrán}{他|tā}{道歉|dàoqiàn}{了|le}，{你|nǐ}{就|jiù}{原谅|yuánliàng}{他|tā}{吧|ba}。
Since he apologized, you should forgive him.
{既然|jìrán}{市场|shìchǎng}{环境|huánjìng}{发生|fāshēng}{了|le}{变化|biànhuà}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{需要|xūyào}{调整|tiáozhěng}{策略|cèlüè}。
Since the market environment has changed, we need to adjust our strategy.
{既然|jìrán}{法律|fǎlǜ}{规定|guīdìng}{如此|rúcǐ}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{必须|bìxū}{严格|yángé}{遵守|zūnshǒu}。
Since the law stipulates this, we must strictly comply.
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{无法|wúfǎ}{提供|tígōng}{证据|zhèngjù}，{我|wǒ}{就|jiù}{不能|bùnéng}{相信|xiāngxìn}{你|nǐ}。
Since you cannot provide evidence, I cannot believe you.
{既然|jìrán}{大家|dàjiā}{都|dōu}{同意|tóngyì}，{那|nà}{就|jiù}{按|àn}{这个|zhège}{方案|fāng'àn}{执行|zhíxíng}。
Since everyone agrees, let's execute according to this plan.
{既然|jìrán}{历史|lìshǐ}{已经|yǐjīng}{证明|zhèngmíng}{这|zhè}{条|tiáo}{路|lù}{走不通|zǒubùtōng}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{不|bù}{该|gāi}{重蹈覆辙|chóngdǎofùzhé}。
Since history has proven this path doesn't work, we shouldn't repeat the same mistakes.
{既然|jìrán}{他|tā}{执意|zhíyì}{要|yào}{走|zǒu}，{我们|wǒmen}{就|jiù}{不必|bùbì}{强留|qiángliú}。
Since he is determined to leave, we don't need to force him to stay.
{既然|jìrán}{真相|zhēnxiàng}{大白|dàbái}，{就|jiù}{没必要|méibìyào}{再|zài}{隐瞒|yǐnmán}{下去|xiàqù}{了|le}。
Since the truth is out, there is no need to keep hiding it.
{既然|jìrán}{资源|zīyuán}{有限|yǒuxiàn}，{就|jiù}{必须|bìxū}{进行|jìnxíng}{合理|hélǐ}{分配|fēnpèi}。
Since resources are limited, they must be allocated reasonably.
{既然|jìrán}{宿命|sùmìng}{难|nán}{违|wéi}，{就|jiù}{坦然|tǎnrán}{面对|miànduì}{吧|ba}。
Since fate is hard to defy, face it with equanimity.
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{已|yǐ}{心意已决|xīnyìyǐjué}，{我|wǒ}{就|jiù}{不再|bùzài}{多|duō}{费|fèi}{口舌|kǒushé}{了|le}。
Since your mind is made up, I won't waste any more breath.
{既然|jìrán}{这|zhè}{是|shì}{必然|bìrán}{的|de}{结果|jiéguǒ}，{就|jiù}{无须|wúxū}{再|zài}{纠结|jiūjié}{于|yú}{过去|guòqù}。
Since this is an inevitable result, there is no need to dwell on the past.
{既然|jìrán}{他|tā}{如此|rúcǐ}{诚恳|chéngkěn}，{就|jiù}{给|gěi}{他|tā}{一|yī}{个|gè}{机会|jīhuì}{吧|ba}。
Since he is so sincere, let's give him a chance.
Easily Confused
Both link clauses, but '因为' is for causes, '既然' is for premises.
Both use '就', but '如果' is hypothetical.
Both are connectors, but '虽然' is for contrast.
Common Mistakes
既然你饿，吃。
既然你饿，就吃。
因为你饿，就吃。
既然你饿，就吃。
既然你饿，所以吃。
既然你饿，就吃。
你既然饿，吃。
既然你饿，就吃。
既然下雨，所以我带伞。
既然下雨，我就带伞。
如果下雨，就带伞。
既然下雨，就带伞。
既然下雨，那带伞。
既然下雨，那就带伞。
既然他没来，所以我们走吧。
既然他没来，那我们就走吧。
既然你不知道，为什么你问我？
既然你不知道，为什么还要问我？
既然是这样，我没意见。
既然是这样，那我就没意见。
既然如此，所以我们必须行动。
既然如此，我们就必须行动。
既然你这么说，那我就不应该相信。
既然你这么说，那我就更不能相信了。
既然事实摆在面前，所以我们别无选择。
既然事实摆在面前，我们就别无选择。
既然你没准备好，那为什么你来？
既然你没准备好，那为什么还要来？
Sentence Patterns
既然___，就___。
既然___，那我们就___。
既然___，为什么还要___？
既然___，就别再___了。
Real World Usage
既然你忙，那改天吧。
既然预算有限，我们就缩减开支。
既然都来了，就点个招牌菜吧。
既然下雨，我们就去博物馆。
既然事实如此，你就无法反驳。
既然你道歉了，我就原谅你。
Use '那' for flow
Don't use '所以'
Focus on the fact
Sound reasonable
Smart Tips
Start with a fact they agree with using '既然'.
Use '既然' to link the current situation to the next step.
Use '既然' to show your logic is sound.
Use '既然' to point out the logical flaw in their argument.
Pronunciation
Tone of {就|jiù}
The 'jiù' should be pronounced with a falling tone, emphasizing the result.
Logical Pause
既然... (pause) ...就...
Pause after the premise to let the listener process the fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '既然' as the 'Given' (Fact) and '就' as the 'Jump' to the conclusion.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge. The left side is a solid rock labeled 'Fact' (既然). The right side is a destination labeled 'Action' (就). You jump from the rock to the destination.
Rhyme
Since it's true, use 既然, then use 就 to get it done.
Story
Xiao Wang was hungry. He said, 'Since I am hungry (既然我饿), I will eat (我就吃)'. He walked to the kitchen. He saw the fridge was empty. He said, 'Since it's empty (既然没吃的), I will order delivery (我就点外卖)'.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using '既然...就' about your day today.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily life to show you are being reasonable.
Often used with '那' for a softer tone.
Used to show respect for facts and efficiency.
Derived from classical Chinese logical structures where '既' means 'already' and '然' means 'so'.
Conversation Starters
既然今天天气这么好，我们去哪儿？
既然你已经学了很久中文，你觉得难吗？
既然我们都有空，不如去吃火锅？
既然公司决定裁员，我们该怎么办？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
既然你累了，___早点休息。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
既然你没空，所以别去。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Since you know, tell me.
Answer starts with: 既然你...
A: 我没钱买手机。 B: ___
Use '既然' and '就' to express: Since it's late, let's sleep.
Which is a premise?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises既然你累了，___早点休息。
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
既然你没空，所以别去。
就 / 既然 / 你 / 喜欢 / 买
Since you know, tell me.
A: 我没钱买手机。 B: ___
Use '既然' and '就' to express: Since it's late, let's sleep.
Which is a premise?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises___ 你不喜欢这份工作，就辞职吧。
既然大家都同意，就我们开始吧。
Reorder the words to say: 'Since it's late, let's go home.'
Since you are here, let's eat together.
Choose the correct pairing for an established fact.
Match the clauses logically.
既然手机坏了，___ 买个新的吧。
既然明天下雨，我们就呆在家里吧。
Reorder the words: 'Since you know, then I won't say it.'
How do you say 'Since you don't like it, don't buy it'?
Select the grammatically accurate sentence:
A: 我吃饱了。 B: 既然吃饱了，___ 不要勉强了。
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, that is a common mistake. Use '就' instead.
It is neutral and used in both speech and writing.
Use '因为' (because) instead of '既然'.
Yes, '既然你累了' and '你既然累了' are both fine.
It acts as the logical bridge to the conclusion.
Yes, it works for any tense.
Not if used correctly; it shows you are thinking logically.
Add '那' before '就'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Ya que... entonces
Spanish uses 'ya que' for both cause and premise.
Puisque... alors
French 'puisque' is strictly for known facts, similar to '既然'.
Da... dann
German syntax requires verb movement in the second clause.
せっかく...なら
Japanese structure is more idiomatic and tied to 'wasted effort'.
بما أن... إذاً
Arabic is more formal in written contexts.
既然...就
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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