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Expressing "since" with 既然 ("ji4ran2")

既然 jìrán

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

既然 ＋ Fact, [那 / 就 / 那就] ＋ Suggestion / Inference 既然 + Fact, (那 +) Rhetorical Question

Definition

表示原因或前提，相当于“既然……就……”，用于引出已知或已成事实的条件，然后给出结论或建议。

Expresses 'since' or 'now that', introducing a known or established premise, followed by a conclusion or suggestion.

Usage

通常用于复合句的前一分句，后一分句常用“就”“也”“还”等副词呼应，表示顺理成章的结果或推论。

Usually used in the first clause of a compound sentence, with adverbs like '就', '也', '还' in the second clause indicating a natural result or inference.

Examples

  • 1 既然你来了，我们就开始吧。(Since you are here, let's start.)
  • 2 既然大家都不反对，这个方案就通过了。(Since nobody objects, the plan is approved.)
  • 3 既然他已经道歉了，你就原谅他吧。(Since he has apologized, you should forgive him.)
  • 4 既然天气不好，我们就不去爬山了。(Since the weather is bad, we won't go hiking.)
  • 5 既然你决定要学中文，就要坚持下去。(Since you decided to learn Chinese, you must persist.)

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