Cause/Effect StatementsHSK 5
Expressing "since" with 既然
Use 既然 to introduce a known fact in the first clause, followed by a suggestion or logical inference in the second clause, often with 那, 就, or 那就. Remember: 既然 is for situations both people are already aware of — it's not a general-purpose substitute for 因为.
Structure
既然 + Fact, 那 / 就 / 那就 + Suggestion / Inference
Examples
- 你既然不想说，那就别说了。Nǐ jìrán bù xiǎng shuō, nà jiù bié shuō le.Since you don't want to say, then just don't say.
- 既然你那么喜欢，那就买吧。Jìrán nǐ nàme xǐhuan, nà jiù mǎi ba.Since you like it so much, just buy it.
- 她既然刚刚分手，那现在应该是单身吧。Tā jìrán gānggāng fēnshǒu, nà xiànzài yīnggāi shì dānshēn ba.Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now.
- 既然你们是好朋友，那他肯定会帮你吧。Jìrán nǐmen shì hǎo péngyou, nà tā kěndìng huì bāng nǐ ba.Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you.
- 既然大家都不感兴趣，就换个话题吧。Jìrán dàjiā dōu bù gǎn xìngqù, jiù huàn gè huàtí ba.Since nobody is interested, let's change the topic.