Expressing "since" with "jiran"

Revision as of 09:30, 20 October 2016 by Salisbuj (talk | contribs)

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