Expressing "since" with "jiran"

既然 (jìrán) means "since", and is often followed by 就 to mean "since...then...". It is used like this:

Structure

既然 + fact + 那/就/那就 + suggestion/inference

This construction is not generally used to express a result, but more of a suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact.

Examples

• 她 既然 刚生 了 孩子，那 她 一定 很 累 吧。 Since she just gave birth to a child, she is definitely tired. (an inference)
• 他 的 关系 既然 那么 硬，那 他 肯定 能 帮 我们 吧。Since his relationship his so strong, he can definitely help us. (an inference)
• 他 既然 那么 有 钱，那 干吗 不 能 把 一部分 财产 捐 给 慈善 机构 呢？Since he has so much money, why wouldn't he be able to donate some to charity? (a suggestion)
• 既然 大家 的 意见 一致，那 最好 趁早 行动！Since it's unanimous, it would be best to tak action as soon as possible. (a suggestion)
• 你 既然 不 想 说，那就 算了 吧。Since you don't want to speak, just for get it. (a suggestion)

See also

• Cause and Effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"
• Because" with "er" Indicating Effect
• Expressing "Even if…" with "jishi"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Chinese Grammar - Broken down into 100 items - Basic and Intermediate Levels (汉语语法百项讲练 - 初中级) (pp.267-9) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 289-90) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 179) →buy