Difference between revisions of "Expressing "since" with "jiran""

Line 37: Line 37:
 
{{Basic Grammar|既然|B2|既然……,就……|<em>既然</em> 来 了 , <em>就</em> 留 下来 吃 饭 吧 。|grammar point|ASGG4BX9}}
 
{{Basic Grammar|既然|B2|既然……,就……|<em>既然</em> 来 了 , <em>就</em> 留 下来 吃 饭 吧 。|grammar point|ASGG4BX9}}
 
{{Rel char|就}}
 
{{Rel char|就}}
 +
{{Rel char|然}}
 
{{Similar|Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"}}
 
{{Similar|Cause and effect with "yinwei" and "suoyi"}}
 
{{Similar|Because" with "er" Indicating Effect}}
 
{{Similar|Because" with "er" Indicating Effect}}

Revision as of 07:38, 23 July 2013

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

  • 既然 刚生 了 孩子, 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, 他 肯定 能 帮 我们 吧。Since his relationship his so strong, he can definitely help us. (an inference)
  • 既然 那么 有 钱, 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, 最好 趁早 行动!Since it's unanimous, it would be best to tak action as soon as possible. (a suggestion)
  • 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

Sources and further reading

Books