Expressing "since" with "jiran"

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

既然 followed by an affirmative sentence

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

Structure

既然+Fact, 那 / 就 / 那就+Suggestion / Inference

Examples

  • 既然 不 想 说,那就 别 说 了。Since you don't want to speak, just don't say it. a suggestion)
  • 既然 你 那么 喜欢,那就 买 吧。 Since you like it so much, buy it then. a suggestion)
  • 既然 刚刚 分手, 现在 应该 是 单身 吧。 Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now. an inference)
  • 既然 你们 是 好 朋友, 他 肯定 会 帮 你 吧。Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you. an inference)
  • 既然 大家 都 不 感 兴趣, 换 个 话题 吧。Since nobody is interested, let's just change the topic. a suggestion)

既然 followed by a question

The suggestion or inference deduced from the first fact can come in the form of rhetorical question. In this case, “那” can be omitted.

Structure

既然 + Fact, (那 +)rhetorical question

Examples

  • 既然 不 喜欢 他,为什么 还 想 跟 他 出去?Since you don't like him, why do you want to go out with him? a suggestion)
  • 既然 你 已经 决定 了,为什么 现在 后悔?Since you've made your decision, don't regret it then. a suggestion)
  • 既然 他 那么 忙,你 为什么 还 去 打扰 他?Since he's so busy, why would you bother him? a suggestion)
  • 既然 已经 分手 了,为什么 还 要 见面?Since we broke up, why would we still see each other? a suggestion)
  • 既然 你 男朋友 那么 有 钱, 他 为什么 不 能 大方 一点?Since your boyfriend is so rich, why can't he be more generous? a suggestion)

See also

Sources and further reading

Books