Chinese Logic: 'Since... Then...' (既然...就...)
{既然|jìrán}...{就|jiù}... to turn an established fact into a logical next step or firm suggestion.
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 establish a premise.
- Use {就|jiù} in the second clause to introduce the resulting action or state.
- The premise must be a fact already accepted by both speakers.
Overview
In Chinese, the structure 既然...就... (jìrán...jiù...) serves as a powerful conjunction for expressing logical inference or a consequential decision based on an established, acknowledged fact. Translating commonly to "Since... then..." or "Now that...
consequently...", this pattern is fundamental for B1-level learners to articulate proactive reasoning rather than mere causation. It signifies that given a certain premise, a specific outcome or action logically follows or is strongly suggested. Unlike 因为...所以... (yīnwèi...suǒyǐ...), which explains the direct cause and effect of an event, 既然...就... operates on the speaker's or listener's acceptance of a present reality, prompting a subsequent determination or recommendation.
This structure underscores a shift from simply describing events to making a statement about implications, making it indispensable for navigating discussions, giving advice, or justifying decisions in Chinese.
From a linguistic perspective, 既然 acts as a discourse marker, signaling that the first clause presents a self-evident or mutually agreed-upon truth. 就 then introduces the direct and often inevitable conclusion or action derived from that truth. This pattern reflects a practical approach to communication common in Chinese culture, where acknowledging shared realities often leads to immediate, sensible next steps.
Mastering 既然...就... allows you to move beyond basic declarative sentences, enabling you to construct arguments and engage in more sophisticated, persuasive discourse, reflecting a deeper understanding of logical connections in spoken and written Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
既然...就... connects two clauses: the premise clause introduced by 既然 and the consequence clause marked by 就. The premise clause states a fact that is either known, has already occurred, or is accepted as true by all parties in the conversation. This is crucial; 既然 is used for established facts, not hypothetical situations or mere possibilities.既然下雨了，... (jìrán xiàyǔ le, ... – Since it’s raining...). You would not use it for 既然明天可能下雨，... (jìrán míngtiān kěnéng xiàyǔ, ... – Since it might rain tomorrow...), as the rain is not yet a certainty.就 acts as an emphatic marker, highlighting the immediacy or inevitability of this consequence. It signals that given the condition in the first clause, the action or result in the second clause is the natural or appropriate response.既然你来了，就多坐一会儿吧 (jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù duō zuò yīhuìr ba – Since you’ve come, then stay a bit longer). Here, your arrival is the accepted fact, and the suggestion to stay is the direct, logical follow-up. The relationship is inferential rather than purely causal; your arrival isn't the cause of staying longer, but it's the precondition that makes the suggestion relevant.既然...就... lies in its forward-looking nature. While 因为...所以... explains why something happened, 既然...就... dictates what should happen next given a current state. This distinction is vital for expressing logical progression in thought.既然他不想去，我们就不要勉强他了 (jìrán tā bù xiǎng qù, wǒmen jiù bùyào miǎnqiáng tā le – Since he doesn't want to go, then we shouldn't force him). His unwillingness is the given fact, and the decision not to force him is the logical consequence.Formation Pattern
既然...就... is straightforward, though variations exist concerning subject placement and the choice of the consequential particle. Understanding these permutations ensures both grammatical correctness and appropriate nuance in your expression.
既然 (jìrán): Always introduces the premise clause. It can be placed either before the subject of the first clause or directly after it, often for a slightly more informal tone. Both 既然你已经完成了，... (jìrán nǐ yǐjīng wánchéng le, ... – Since you've already finished...) and 你既然已经完成了，... (nǐ jìrán yǐjīng wánchéng le, ... – You, since you've already finished...) are acceptable, with the former being marginally more common in formal writing and the latter in casual speech.
了 (le) to indicate completion or change, reinforcing its factual nature. For example, 既然票都买好了，... (jìrán piào dōu mǎi hǎo le, ... – Since the tickets are all bought...).
， (comma): A pause, often indicated by a comma in writing, naturally separates the premise from the consequence.
既然你来了，[你]就多坐一会儿吧 (jìrán nǐ lái le, [nǐ] jiù duō zuò yīhuìr ba), 你 can be omitted in the second clause. But in 既然你来了，我就不走了 (jìrán nǐ lái le, wǒ jiù bù zǒu le – Since you’ve come, I won’t leave), the second subject 我 is mandatory.
就 (jiù): The most common and default consequential marker. It typically precedes the main verb or verb phrase in the second clause. 就 emphasizes the direct and often immediate implication of the premise. 既然天气这么好，我们就出去走走吧 (jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen jiù chūqù zǒuzou ba – Since the weather is so good, let's go for a walk).
也 (yě): Can replace 就 when the consequence is one of concession or agreement, suggesting "then also" or "in that case, too." 既然你决定不去了，那我也就不去了 (jìrán nǐ juédìng bù qù le, nà wǒ yě jiù bù qù le – Since you've decided not to go, then I won't go either). Here, 也 implies alignment with the first subject's decision.
还 (hái): Less common, 还 can imply a lingering state, persistence, or a consequence that is perhaps slightly unexpected but still logical given the premise. 既然他还在学习，那我们就别打扰他了 (jìrán tā hái zài xuéxí, nà wǒmen jiù bié dǎrǎo tā le – Since he’s still studying, then we shouldn't disturb him).
既然 + S1 + Clause 1, S2 + 就 + Clause 2 | If different subjects, S1 after 既然 | 既然你觉得贵，那我就买别的 (jìrán nǐ juéde guì, nà wǒ jiù mǎi biéde – Since you think it's expensive, then I'll buy something else.) |
既然 + Clause 1, [S1] + 就 + Clause 2 | If same subject, S1 can be omitted in Clause 2 | 既然他病了，[他]就应该在家休息 (jìrán tā bìng le, [tā] jiù yīnggāi zài jiā xiūxī – Since he's sick, then he should rest at home.) |
既然 + Clause 1, ... + 也 + Clause 2 | Concession/Agreement | 既然你不想吃，我也就不做了 (jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng chī, wǒ yě jiù bù zuò le – Since you don't want to eat, I won't make it either.) |
既然 + Clause 1, ... + 还 + Clause 2 | Persistence/Lingering Consequence | 既然时间还早，我们还可以再聊一会儿 (jìrán shíjiān hái zǎo, wǒmen hái kěyǐ zài liáo yīhuìr – Since it's still early, we can still chat a bit longer.) |
When To Use It
既然...就... construction is highly versatile and frequently used across various communicative contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions. Its utility lies in framing a situation and then logically moving towards a resolution or an appropriate course of action. You should employ this pattern whenever you encounter a known fact or accepted premise that warrants a subsequent decision, suggestion, or conclusion.- Making Practical Suggestions or Decisions: This is perhaps the most common application. When a situation is clear,
既然...就...helps you propose a logical next step. For example, upon seeing the long queue at a restaurant:既然排队的人这么多，我们就换一家吧(jìrán páiduì de rén zhème duō, wǒmen jiù huàn yī jiā ba– Since there are so many people queuing, then let's go to another restaurant). Similarly, when making a personal decision:既然已经开始做了，就一定要把它完成(jìrán yǐjīng kāishǐ zuò le, jiù yīdìng yào bǎ tā wánchéng– Since I've already started doing it, then I must finish it).
- Drawing Logical Conclusions: Use
既然...就...to state a conclusion that inevitably follows from a given premise. If you observe someone's behavior or a particular state, you can infer a conclusion using this pattern. For instance,既然你已经知道结果了，就没必要再问了(jìrán nǐ yǐjīng zhīdào jiéguǒ le, jiù méi bìyào zài wèn le– Since you already know the result, then there's no need to ask again). The knowledge of the result logically negates the need for further inquiry.
- Expressing Resolve or Determination: When you commit to an action based on a prior event,
既然...就...conveys this resolve effectively. If you've already invested time or effort, it frames the decision to continue. A classic example:既然选择了远方，便只顾风雨兼程(jìrán xuǎnzé le yuǎnfāng, biàn zhǐgù fēngyǔ jiānchéng– Since [I] chose a distant path, then [I] will only care for the journey through wind and rain). While this specific example uses便(biàn) which is more literary, the sentiment of就is identical.
- Addressing a Given Situation (Often with Persuasion): The pattern can be used to gently or firmly persuade someone by highlighting an undeniable fact. For example, if a friend complains about boredom:
既然你这么无聊，就帮我看看这个文件吧(jìrán nǐ zhème wúliáo, jiù bāng wǒ kànkan zhège wénjiàn ba– Since you're so bored, then help me look at this document). In a professional context, you might use it to drive a point:既然市场需求发生了变化，我们就必须调整策略(jìrán shìchǎng xūqiú fāshēng le biànhuà, wǒmen jiù bìxū tiáozhěng cèlüè– Since market demand has changed, then we must adjust our strategy). This frames the necessary action as a logical, rather than arbitrary, response to external circumstances.
既然...就... allows for nuanced communication by acknowledging the present reality as the foundation for future actions or interpretations. It's a pragmatic linguistic tool for moving conversations forward based on shared understanding.Common Mistakes
既然...就..., primarily due to direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of its precise logical function within Chinese grammar. Avoiding these common errors is crucial for accurate and idiomatic usage.- Confusing
既然with因为and所以: This is arguably the most common and significant error. While English often uses "since" to introduce a cause that leads to a direct result (e.g., "Since it rained, the ground is wet"),既然in Chinese is not typically paired with所以(suǒyǐ). - Incorrect:
既然下雨了，所以我不能出去。(Incorrect:jìrán xiàyǔ le, suǒyǐ wǒ bù néng chūqù.) This sounds redundant and illogical to native speakers because既然already sets up the logical implication, making所以superfluous and functionally incorrect.既然implies a logical inference or decision, whereas因为establishes a direct cause.所以always follows a direct cause introduced by因为(or implied cause). - Correct:
因为下雨了，所以我不能出去。(yīnwèi xiàyǔ le, suǒyǐ wǒ bù néng chūqù.– Because it rained, therefore I can't go out.) - Correct:
既然下雨了，我就不能出去。(jìrán xiàyǔ le, wǒ jiù bù néng chūqù.– Since it's raining, then I can't go out.) Here, the rain is an accepted fact, leading to the decision not to go out.
- Omitting
就(or也/还): Leaving out the consequential particle makes the sentence feel incomplete and grammatically unsound.既然sets up an expectation for a logical follow-up, and就fulfills this expectation. For example: - Incorrect:
既然你来了，多坐一会儿吧。(Missing就) - Correct:
既然你来了，就多坐一会儿吧。(jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù duō zuò yīhuìr ba.– Since you've come, then stay a bit longer.) The就clearly marks the suggestion as the consequence.
- Using
既然for Hypothetical Situations:既然is strictly for established facts or accepted premises. Do not use it for possibilities or conditions that are yet to occur. For such cases,如果...就...(rúguǒ...jiù...– If... then...) is the correct pattern. - Incorrect:
既然明天会下雨，我们就取消计划吧。(The rain isn't a fact yet, only a prediction.) - Correct:
如果明天会下雨，我们就取消计划吧。(rúguǒ míngtiān huì xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù qǔxiāo jìhuà ba.– If it rains tomorrow, then we'll cancel the plan.) - Correct (if rain is certain):
既然明天确定会下雨，我们就取消计划吧。(jìrán míngtiān quèdìng huì xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù qǔxiāo jìhuà ba.– Since it's confirmed to rain tomorrow, then we'll cancel the plan.) The key is certainty.
- Misplacing
既然or the subject: While there is some flexibility, ensure that既然clearly introduces the premise. Placing it too far from the beginning of its clause or incorrectly separating it from the subject can cause confusion. - Less natural:
你既然已经迟到了，就不要再磨蹭了。(nǐ jìrán yǐjīng chídào le, jiù bùyào zài móceng le.– You, since you're already late, then don't procrastinate anymore.) - More natural:
既然你已经迟到了，就不要再磨蹭了。(jìrán nǐ yǐjīng chídào le, jiù bùyào zài móceng le.– Since you're already late, then don't procrastinate anymore.) Both are grammatically fine, but the latter flows more smoothly in most contexts.
既然 from 因为 and 如果, and consistently including the consequential marker 就 (or its alternatives), you can avoid the most frequent errors and use this powerful structure with confidence.Real Conversations
既然...就... is an integral part of daily Chinese communication, appearing in diverse contexts from informal chat to professional discourse. Its application reflects the speaker's ability to respond logically to a situation. Observing its use in real-world scenarios helps solidify understanding.
- Casual Planning Among Friends (WeChat/Texting): This is a very common scenario where the pattern shines. Friends acknowledge a fact to make immediate plans.
A
我今天没事儿。 (wǒ jīntiān méishìr. – I have nothing to do today.)B
既然你没事儿，咱们就去看电影吧！ (jìrán nǐ méishìr, zánmen jiù qù kàn diànyǐng ba! – Since you have nothing to do, then let's go watch a movie!)Notice the use of 吧 (ba) to soften the suggestion.
- Decision-Making in a Group (Work or Social): When a group needs to decide based on known constraints or opportunities, 既然...就... provides a clear pathway.
既然大家都同意这个方案，那我们就按照这个方向进行。 (jìrán dàjiā dōu tóngyì zhège fāng'àn, nà wǒmen jiù ànzhào zhège fāngxiàng jìnxíng. – Since everyone agrees on this plan, then we'll proceed in this direction.)
Here, 那 (nà) often precedes 就 for a slightly more deliberative feel, meaning "in that case."
- Addressing a Problem or Advising (Parent-Child, Mentor-Mentee): The structure can be used to present a solution or advice rooted in an obvious truth.
Parent to child
既然你不想写作业，就去把房间收拾干净。 (jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng xiě zuòyè, jiù qù bǎ fángjiān shōushí gānjìng. – Since you don't want to do homework, then go clean up your room.) This implies a logical alternative to avoid idleness.- Self-Reflection or Justification: Individuals use 既然...就... to process their own circumstances and determine subsequent actions.
既然已经来了中国，就应该好好学习中文。 (jìrán yǐjīng lái le Zhōngguó, jiù yīnggāi hǎohāo xuéxí Zhōngwén. – Since I've already come to China, then I should diligently study Chinese.) This highlights a commitment based on a present reality.
- Rhetorical Questions or Reproach: Sometimes, 既然...就... can introduce a rhetorical question, often implying a mild reproach or disbelief, especially if the consequence is contrary to the premise.
既然你答应了，就为什么不做？ (jìrán nǐ dāyìng le, jiù wèishénme bù zuò? – Since you agreed, then why aren't you doing it?) The agreement is the premise, the lack of action is the illogical consequence being questioned.
These examples illustrate that 既然...就... is not merely a grammatical rule but a functional tool for expressing coherent thought and navigating social interactions. It allows speakers to build arguments, make suggestions, and react logically to the world around them, making conversations flow more naturally and persuasively.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I use
既然without就? - A: Generally, no.
既然almost always requires a corresponding consequential particle in the second clause, most commonly就. While也(yě) or还(hái) can replace就in specific contexts (as discussed in Formation Pattern), some form of consequence marker is essential for the sentence to feel complete and grammatically sound. Without it, the sentence often hangs, awaiting its logical conclusion.
- Q: Is
既然...就...too formal for casual conversations or texting? - A: Not at all. It's very common in everyday speech and informal communication like WeChat messages, especially when making plans or discussing logical next steps. Its flexibility in subject placement (e.g.,
你既然...vs.既然你...) allows it to adapt to various levels of formality. It helps streamline conversations by presenting a premise and an immediate logical follow-up.
- Q: Where exactly does the subject of the first clause go when using
既然? - A: The subject can typically go either before
既然(e.g.,你既然...) or immediately after既然(e.g.,既然你...). Both are grammatically correct and common. The placement after既然is slightly more prevalent and often feels more direct or natural in spoken Chinese. For instance,既然你不想去，我们就别去了(jìrán nǐ bù xiǎng qù, wǒmen jiù bié qù le– Since you don't want to go, then we shouldn't go) is a very common construction.
- Q: Can
既然...就...be used to refer to past events? - A: Yes, absolutely. The crucial aspect is that the premise (the event or state) must be an established fact at the time of speaking. So, you can say:
既然你已经看过那部电影了，就不用再买了(jìrán nǐ yǐjīng kànguò nà bù diànyǐng le, jiù bùyòng zài mǎi le– Since you've already seen that movie, then there's no need to buy it again). The seeing of the movie is a past action, but the fact of having seen it is true now, making既然appropriate.
- Q: What if the result or consequence is a question?
- A: This is perfectly acceptable and often used to express bewilderment, mild reproach, or to seek clarification based on a given fact. For example:
既然你知道错了，就为什么不道歉？(jìrán nǐ zhīdào cuò le, jiù wèishénme bù dàoqiàn?– Since you know you were wrong, then why didn't you apologize?). The premise (knowing one was wrong) leads to a logical expectation (apology), and the question highlights the discrepancy.
- Q: Can using
既然...就...sound bossy or demanding? - A: It can, due to its inherent logical and often assertive nature. By presenting a fact and a direct consequence, it can imply a clear course of action. To soften the tone and make it more of a suggestion, simply add
吧(ba) at the end of the second clause. For example,既然你来了，就多坐一会儿吧(jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù duō zuò yīhuìr ba– Since you've come, then stay a bit longer, okay?). The吧transforms it from a statement of what should happen into a friendly, invitational suggestion.
- Q: Is
既然...就...the exact equivalent of "now that" in English? - A: It's a very close and often perfect translation. Both convey the idea that "given that X is true/has happened, then Y follows." For phrases like "now that we're here..." or "now that I've seen the price...",
既然...就...typically captures the exact nuance and logical flow.
- Q: Can
既然...就...introduce a negative consequence? - A: Yes, the consequence can certainly be negative or undesirable, as long as it's a logical outcome of the premise. For example:
既然你不好好学习，就肯定考不好(jìrán nǐ bù hǎohǎo xuéxí, jiù kěndìng kǎo bù hǎo– Since you don't study hard, then you definitely won't do well on the exam). The lack of effort is the premise, and the poor exam result is the logical, albeit negative, consequence.
Basic Structure
| Part 1 | Fact/Premise | Part 2 | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
|
既然
|
你累了
|
就
|
休息
|
|
既然
|
下雨了
|
就
|
带伞
|
|
既然
|
没钱
|
就
|
别买
|
|
既然
|
大家都到了
|
就
|
开始
|
|
既然
|
他不去
|
就
|
算了
|
|
既然
|
做错了
|
就
|
承认
|
Meanings
This structure connects a known premise (since...) to a logical consequence (then...). It emphasizes that the conclusion is natural or inevitable given the circumstances.
Logical Deduction
Drawing a conclusion from a shared fact.
“{既然|jìrán}下雨了，我们{就|jiù}在家看电影吧。”
“{既然|jìrán}你{不|bù}喜欢，那{就|jiù}别买了。”
Resignation/Acceptance
Accepting an unpleasant reality and moving forward.
“{既然|jìrán}已经迟到了，{就|jiù}慢慢走吧。”
“{既然|jìrán}没钱了，{就|jiù}省着点花。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
既然 + Fact + 就 + Action
|
既然你来了，就坐吧。
|
|
Negative
|
既然 + Fact + 就 + 不/别 + Action
|
既然你不饿，就别吃了。
|
|
Rhetorical
|
既然 + Fact + 难道 + 就 + ...?
|
既然你都知道，难道就不能帮帮我吗？
|
|
Emphasis
|
既然 + Fact + 那/那么 + 就 + Action
|
既然你这么说，那我就信你。
|
Formality Spectrum
既然您很忙，我们稍后再谈。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你很忙，我们等一下再谈。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你忙，那等会儿再说。 (Professional vs Casual)
既然你忙，那回头聊。 (Professional vs Casual)
Logical Flow
Premise
- Fact Known reality
Conclusion
- Action Logical result
Examples by Level
{既然|jìrán}累了，{就|jiù}休息吧。
Since you are tired, then rest.
{既然|jìrán}饿了，{就|jiù}吃饭吧。
Since you are hungry, then eat.
{既然|jìrán}下雨，{就|jiù}带伞。
Since it is raining, then take an umbrella.
{既然|jìrán}冷，{就|jiù}穿衣服。
Since it is cold, then wear clothes.
{既然|jìrán}你{不|bù}去，我{就|jiù}自己去。
Since you aren't going, I will go alone.
{既然|jìrán}时间{来|lái}不及，{就|jiù}明天吧。
Since there isn't enough time, let's do it tomorrow.
{既然|jìrán}你{喜欢|xǐhuān}，{就|jiù}买下来吧。
Since you like it, then buy it.
{既然|jìrán}大家都同意，{就|jiù}这么办吧。
Since everyone agrees, let's do it this way.
{既然|jìrán}已经{发生|fāshēng}了，{就|jiù}别再想了。
Since it has already happened, don't think about it anymore.
{既然|jìrán}你有{能力|nénglì}，{就|jiù}应该{承担|chéngdān}责任。
Since you have the ability, you should take responsibility.
{既然|jìrán}这是你的{决定|juédìng}，我{就|jiù}支持你。
Since this is your decision, I will support you.
{既然|jìrán}路{不|bù}通，我们{就|jiù}换一条吧。
Since the road is blocked, let's change to another one.
{既然|jìrán}公司{有|yǒu}这个{政策|zhèngcè}，我们{就|jiù}必须{遵守|zūnshǒu}。
Since the company has this policy, we must comply.
{既然|jìrán}你{已经|yǐjīng}做出了{承诺|chéngnuò}，{就|jiù}不能{反悔|fǎnhuǐ}。
Since you have already made a promise, you cannot go back on it.
{既然|jìrán}双方{都|dōu}有{诚意|chéngyì}，{就|jiù}可以{坐下来|zuòxiàlái}谈谈。
Since both sides have sincerity, we can sit down and talk.
{既然|jìrán}环境{这么|zhème}差，{就|jiù}必须{采取|cǎiqǔ}措施。
Since the environment is so bad, we must take measures.
{既然|jìrán}历史{已经|yǐjīng}证明了这一点，我们{就|jiù}不应{重蹈覆辙|chóngdǎofùzhé}。
Since history has already proven this, we should not repeat the same mistakes.
{既然|jìrán}市场{需求|xūqiú}在{变化|biànhuà}，策略{就|jiù}必须{随之|suízhī}调整。
Since market demand is changing, the strategy must be adjusted accordingly.
{既然|jìrán}你{执意|zhíyì}要走，我{就|jiù}不再{挽留|wǎnliú}了。
Since you are insistent on leaving, I will no longer try to keep you.
{既然|jìrán}这是{不可避免|bùkěbìmiǎn}的，{就|jiù}坦然{面对|miànduì}吧。
Since this is unavoidable, face it calmly.
{既然|jìrán}法理{如此|rúcǐ}，{就|jiù}应当{严格|yángé}执行。
Since the law is as such, it should be strictly enforced.
{既然|jìrán}民意{如此|rúcǐ}，政府{就|jiù}必须{回应|huíyìng}。
Since public opinion is as such, the government must respond.
{既然|jìrán}艺术{源于|yuányú}生活，{就|jiù}必然{反映|fǎnyìng}生活。
Since art originates from life, it must necessarily reflect life.
{既然|jìrán}逻辑{如此|rúcǐ}，结论{就|jiù}不言而喻。
Since the logic is as such, the conclusion is self-evident.
Easily Confused
Both express causality.
Common Mistakes
因为你累了，就休息。
既然你累了，就休息。
既然你累了，所以休息。
既然你累了，就休息。
你既然累了，就休息。
既然你累了，就休息。
既然下雨，因为我不出门。
既然下雨，我就不出门。
Sentence Patterns
既然___，就___。
Real World Usage
既然你忙，就明天聊。
Focus on facts
Smart Tips
Use 既然 to sound logical.
Pronunciation
Tone of 既然
Both are 4th tone, keep it crisp.
Logical pause
既然... (pause) ...就...
The pause emphasizes the premise.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '既然' as 'Given' and '就' as 'Just'. Given the fact, just do the result.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge. The left side is labeled 'Fact' (既然), the right side is labeled 'Action' (就). You walk across the bridge because the fact leads you to the action.
Rhyme
既然是事实，就做这件实。
Story
Xiao Wang is hungry. He knows there is food in the fridge. He says: 'Since (既然) there is food, I will (就) eat it.' He opens the fridge and eats happily.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using '既然...就' about your current day.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in workplace to show efficiency.
Derived from classical Chinese logical structures.
Conversation Starters
既然今天天气这么好，我们去哪儿？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
既然你累了，___休息吧。
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises既然你累了，___休息吧。
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises{就|jiù} / {既然|jìrán} / {了|le} / {不|bù} / {下雨|xiàyǔ} / {去|qù} / {了|le}
Since you're tired, go home and rest.
Match the clauses:
{你|nǐ}____{不想|bùxiǎng}{说|shuō}，{就|jiù}{别|bié}{说|shuō}{了|le}。
Which one sounds more natural?
{既然|jìrán}{你|nǐ}{有|yǒu}{钱|qián}，{所以|suǒyǐ}{请|qǐng}{客|kè}{吧|ba}。
{既然|jìrán} / {来|lái} / {了|le} / {多|duō} / {就|jiù} / {玩儿|wánr} / {几天|jǐtiān}
{既然|jìrán}{电影|diànyǐng}{不好看|bùhǎokàn}，我们_____{走|zǒu}{吧|ba}。
Since you've seen it, give it a like.
{既然|jìrán}{老师|lǎoshī}{没|méi}{来|lái}，____。
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, it must be 就.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Ya que... entonces...
Spanish uses 'ya que' for both facts and reasons.
Puisque... alors...
Puisque is more formal.
Da... so...
Word order in German is stricter.
せっかく...なら...
Japanese has more nuance for 'effort'.
بما أن... إذن...
Arabic is more formal.
既然...就
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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