When do I use 那么 vs 那 for 'then'?

Both mean 'then' or 'in that case,' but choose based on register. Use 那么 in formal or careful speech/writing; use 那 in casual conversation. In everyday talk, 那 is far more common.

Can I always replace 那么 with 那?

In spoken Chinese, often yes, but it may sound too casual for formal contexts. In writing, 那 is rarely appropriate unless you are writing dialogue or very informal text.

Does 那 have other meanings I should know?

Yes, 那 is also a demonstrative meaning 'that' (e.g., 那本书 'that book'). The conjunction use 'then' is distinguished by its position (often before 就) and by tone/context.

Is 那么 only used as 'then'?

No, 那么 is also a degree adverb meaning 'so, to such a degree' (e.g., 那么快 'so fast'). That usage does not overlap with 那.

Easily confusedHSK 3

那么 vs 那 (nàme vs nà): “then” or “in that case”

那么 (nàme) and 那 (nà) both introduce a logical conclusion or follow-up meaning “then” or “in that case.” 那么 is more formal and common in writing or careful speech, while 那 is its colloquial shortened form used in everyday conversation. In most contexts they are interchangeable, but register determines the natural choice.

那么 and 那 both function as conjunctions meaning “then” or “in that case,” introducing a consequence or a logical next step. 那么 is the standard, more formal form, often used in written language, speeches, or careful spoken registers. 那 is the everyday colloquial clip; it dominates casual speech and is rarely used in formal writing. Although they overlap in many conditional and inferential contexts, choosing one over the other changes the tone from casual to deliberate. Additionally, 那 has a separate demonstrative meaning (“that”), while 那么 also serves as an adverb (“so, to such a degree”).

Когда что использовать

那么nà me

then, in that case

Use 那么 in formal or careful speech and writing to show a logical conclusion or consequence, often following an “if” clause or a statement of fact. It is the preferred choice in essays, presentations, and polite conversation.

那么 is also used as an adverb meaning “so, to such a degree” (e.g., 那么贵 'so expensive'), which is distinct from the conjunctive use.

那nà

then (colloquial short form)

Use 那 as the everyday spoken equivalent of 那么 in casual conversation. It carries the same meaning but sounds more natural and concise in daily exchanges.

那 also functions as a demonstrative pronoun meaning “that” (e.g., 那个人 'that person'), so context is necessary to disambiguate. Unlike 那么, it does not serve as an adverb meaning “so”.

Кратко

	那么	那
Formality	Formal / careful	Colloquial / casual
Preference in writing	Standard in formal writing	Rare in formal writing
Typical speech setting	Public speaking, meetings	Private conversation, texting
Can be used as adverb 'so'?	Yes (e.g., 那么大 'so big')	No

Примеры

那么
如果明天下雨，那么比赛就会取消。
Rú guǒ míng tiān xià yǔ, nà me bǐ sài jiù huì qǔ xiāo.
If it rains tomorrow, then the game will be cancelled.
Formal conditional structure; 那么 fits the careful tone.
那
如果太贵，那就不买了。
Rú guǒ tài guì, nà jiù bù mǎi le.
If it's too expensive, then I won't buy it.
Everyday speech; 那 sounds natural and concise.
那么
既然你已经决定了，那么我就支持你。
Jì rán nǐ yǐ jīng jué dìng le, nà me wǒ jiù zhī chí nǐ.
Since you have already decided, then I'll support you.
Moderately formal; 那么 is appropriate for a sober statement.
那
你不来？那就算了。
Nǐ bù lái? nà jiù suàn le.
You're not coming? Then forget it.
Very common colloquial expression; 那 is the natural choice.
那么
你累了？那么先休息一下吧。
Nǐ lèi le? nà me xiān xiū xi yí xià ba.
Are you tired? Then take a rest first.
Polite suggestion; 那么 softens the tone slightly.
那
好了，那我们就这么说定了。
Hǎo le, nà wǒ men jiù zhè me shuō dìng le.
Alright, then it's settled.
Casual agreement; 那 is typical in conversational closures.

Частые ошибки

Using 那 as an adverb to mean 'so' (e.g., 那贵 instead of 那么贵).
Overusing 那么 in casual speech, making the tone sound stiff or overly formal.
Using 那 in formal writing where 那么 is expected (e.g., in essays or official documents).
Confusing the demonstrative 那 (that) with the conjunctive 那 (then) in ambiguous sentences.

Частые вопросы

When do I use 那么 vs 那 for 'then'?: Both mean 'then' or 'in that case,' but choose based on register. Use 那么 in formal or careful speech/writing; use 那 in casual conversation. In everyday talk, 那 is far more common.
Can I always replace 那么 with 那?: In spoken Chinese, often yes, but it may sound too casual for formal contexts. In writing, 那 is rarely appropriate unless you are writing dialogue or very informal text.
Does 那 have other meanings I should know?: Yes, 那 is also a demonstrative meaning 'that' (e.g., 那本书 'that book'). The conjunction use 'then' is distinguished by its position (often before 就) and by tone/context.
Is 那么 only used as 'then'?: No, 那么 is also a degree adverb meaning 'so, to such a degree' (e.g., 那么快 'so fast'). That usage does not overlap with 那.