Use '那么' to refer to a previously mentioned situation or to indicate a degree or consequence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'so', 'such', 'like that'.
- Connects cause and effect, indicates degree.
- Common in daily conversation and simple writing.
Overview
“那么” 是汉语中一个非常常用的副词，主要用于指代或强调。它的基本含义是“如此”、“那样”或“到那样的程度”。在句子中，“那么”可以连接原因和结果，表示一种顺理成章的推论；也可以用来强调某种程度或状态，表达说话人的感叹或判断。作为A2级别的词汇，“那么”的用法相对基础，主要体现在口语和一般书面语中，是理解和表达简单因果关系及程度强调的重要词汇。
Examples
外面下雨了，那么我们就在家看电影吧。
everydayIt's raining outside, so let's watch a movie at home.
这本书写得那么精彩，我一下子就看完了。
informalThis book was written so brilliantly that I finished it in one go.
既然你不想去，那么我就自己一个人去了。
neutralSince you don't want to go, then I'll go by myself.
他每天坚持锻炼，那么他的身体素质一定很好。
generalHe insists on exercising every day, therefore his physical fitness must be very good.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
那么久
so long (time)
那么大
so big
那么多人
so many people
Often Confused With
'这样' refers to a specific manner or method, often 'like this'. '那么' is more general, referring to a state, degree, or consequence, often 'like that'.
'那样' also refers to a manner or state, 'like that', but often more concretely than '那么'. '那么' is frequently used as a logical connector for consequence or degree.
'所以' is a direct conjunction for cause and effect, meaning 'therefore' or 'so'. '那么' can imply causality but often carries a tone of deduction, suggestion, or emphasis on degree, making it less direct than '所以'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
1. '那么' is very common in spoken Chinese and general written contexts. 2. It often implies a logical connection or a degree that is understood from context. 3. Be mindful of formality; while acceptable in many situations, more formal writing might prefer '因此' or '所以' for causality.
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing '那么' with '这么' (zhème), which refers to something close by or the current situation. '那么' refers to something further away or previously mentioned. 2. Using '那么' where a more direct causal conjunction like '所以' is needed in formal writing. 3. Incorrectly applying it to indicate a specific method rather than a degree or consequence.
Tips
Connect Cause and Effect
Use '那么' to link a reason to its logical outcome. For example, 'It's raining, so we'll stay home.'
Avoid Overuse in Writing
While common in speech, overuse of '那么' in formal writing might sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like '所以' or '因此' for clearer causality.
Expressing Degree or Emotion
'那么' can emphasize the extent of something, often conveying surprise or admiration. 'You sing so beautifully!'
Word Origin
The character '那' (nà) originally referred to 'that' (a demonstrative pronoun indicating distance). '么' (me) is often used as a particle, especially in colloquial speech. Together, '那么' functions to indicate 'that way', 'like that', or 'to that degree'.
Cultural Context
The use of '那么' reflects a common way of expressing logical flow and degrees in Chinese, often with a slightly less assertive tone than direct conjunctions, allowing for nuance in expressing cause and effect or emphasis.
Memory Tip
Think of '那么' as pointing 'that way' (那) to a consequence or a degree, like a finger pointing to something.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“那么”通常指代前面提到的情况、程度或作为因果的连接词，语气相对更概括或推测性。“这样”则更侧重于指代具体的方式、方法或状态，常用于描述如何做某事。
可以。“那么”放在句首时，常常用来指代前面提到的情况，表示“既然如此”或“那样的话”，引出后面的建议或结果。
不完全一样。“所以”是明确的因果连词，直接引出结果。“那么”也可以表示因果，但语气更偏向于推测或顺承，有时带有“既然…那么…”的结构。
“那么”在日常口语和一般书面语中都非常常用，尤其是在连接原因和结果、表达程度，或者在对话中回应前文时。
Test Yourself
他每天都坚持锻炼，______身体一定很好。
这里需要一个表示因果推论的副词，连接“坚持锻炼”和“身体一定很好”。“那么”最符合语境。
“外面在下雨，那么我们就在家休息吧。”这句话中的“那么”主要起什么作用？
这句话由“外面在下雨”（原因）引出了“就在家休息吧”（结果），“那么”在此起到了连接因果的作用。
他 / 学习 / 那么 / 刻苦 / 一定 / 成功
这个句子将“刻苦”作为原因，用“那么”来强调程度，并引出“一定成功”的结果，结构完整且逻辑清晰。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '那么' to refer to a previously mentioned situation or to indicate a degree or consequence.
- Means 'so', 'such', 'like that'.
- Connects cause and effect, indicates degree.
- Common in daily conversation and simple writing.
Connect Cause and Effect
Use '那么' to link a reason to its logical outcome. For example, 'It's raining, so we'll stay home.'
Avoid Overuse in Writing
While common in speech, overuse of '那么' in formal writing might sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like '所以' or '因此' for clearer causality.
Expressing Degree or Emotion
'那么' can emphasize the extent of something, often conveying surprise or admiration. 'You sing so beautifully!'
Examples
4 of 4外面下雨了，那么我们就在家看电影吧。
It's raining outside, so let's watch a movie at home.
这本书写得那么精彩，我一下子就看完了。
This book was written so brilliantly that I finished it in one go.
既然你不想去，那么我就自己一个人去了。
Since you don't want to go, then I'll go by myself.
他每天坚持锻炼，那么他的身体素质一定很好。
He insists on exercising every day, therefore his physical fitness must be very good.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
