Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== jìrán: 既然 - Since, Now That, Given That ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** jiran, 既然, Chinese conjunction, how to use jiran, since in Chinese, given that, now that, Chinese grammar, jiran vs yinwei, jiran vs ruguo, HSK 4 grammar, logical conclusion in Chinese. * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese conjunction **既然 (jìrán)**, which translates to "since," "now that," or "given that." This page provides a deep dive into the meaning of 既然, explaining how it's used to build logical arguments based on a shared understanding or an established fact. We'll explore the difference between `jìrán` and `yīnwèi` (because), offer rich cultural context, and provide over 10 practical example sentences to master its use in everyday conversation. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jìrán * **Part of Speech:** Conjunction * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 * **Concise Definition:** Used to introduce a premise that is already known or established, leading to a logical conclusion or suggestion. * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **既然 (jìrán)** as the starting point for a logical discussion. It means "Since we all know X is true..." or "Given the fact that...". It's not just stating a reason; it's acknowledging a situation that both you and the listener are aware of, and then proposing the next logical step. It establishes the "reality" of a situation before drawing a conclusion from it. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **既 (jì):** This character's original meaning is "already" or "to have finished." Picture someone who has already finished their meal and is turning away. It signifies a completed action or an existing state. * **然 (rán):** This character means "so," "thus," or "like this." It often acts as a suffix to indicate a certain state or manner (like "-ly" in English). * Together, **既然 (jìrán)** literally means "already so" or "since it is already this way." This perfectly captures its function of introducing a fact that is already established as the basis for what comes next. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== While not a complex philosophical term, **既然 (jìrán)** reveals a pragmatic and reality-based approach common in Chinese communication. It's about building consensus from a shared starting point. In Western culture, one might make a suggestion directly: "Let's just quit, you clearly hate this job." The Chinese approach using `既然` is slightly different: "**既然**你不喜欢这份工作，为什么不辞职呢？" ("**Since** you don't like this job, why not quit?"). This frames the suggestion not as a personal opinion, but as a logical consequence of a fact the other person has already expressed or demonstrated. It can feel less confrontational and more collaborative, as if you're saying, "We both agree on this fact, so here is a logical path forward." It emphasizes accepting the current reality—good or bad—and making a rational decision based upon it, rather than dwelling on hypotheticals. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **既然 (jìrán)** is extremely common in daily life, from casual chats to formal business meetings. It's a powerful tool for persuasion, making suggestions, and giving advice. * **In Conversation:** Used to give friendly advice or make a logical suggestion. "Since you're tired, you should rest." * **In Arguments:** Used to corner someone logically. "Since you admit you were wrong, you should apologize." * **In Planning:** Used to confirm the next step based on an achieved milestone. "Since the funding is approved, we can start hiring." The structure is almost always: **既然 [Established Fact], 就/也/那 [Conclusion/Suggestion]**. The second part of the sentence almost always includes a word like `就 (jiù)`, `也 (yě)`, or `那 (nà)` to connect the premise to the conclusion. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * **既然**你来了，**就**多坐一会儿吧。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** nǐ lái le, **jiù** duō zuò yīhuìr ba. * English: Since you're here, just stay a little longer. * Analysis: A classic, friendly invitation. The fact is "you are here." The logical suggestion is "stay longer." The `就 (jiù)` smoothly connects the two ideas. * **Example 2:** * **既然**你知道错了，**就**应该道歉。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** nǐ zhīdào cuò le, **jiù** yīnggāi dàoqiàn. * English: Since you know you were wrong, you should apologize. * Analysis: This is more forceful and is used to state a logical obligation. The premise ("you know you're wrong") is assumed to be accepted by the listener. * **Example 3:** * **既然**外面在下雨，我们**就**不出去散步了。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** wàimiàn zài xià yǔ, wǒmen **jiù** bù chūqù sànbù le. * English: Since it's raining outside, we won't go out for a walk then. * Analysis: A simple, logical decision based on an undeniable fact (the rain). * **Example 4:** * **既然**大家**都**同意，**那**我们明天就开始。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** dàjiā **dōu** tóngyì, **nà** wǒmen míngtiān jiù kāishǐ. * English: Since everyone agrees, then we'll start tomorrow. * Analysis: The use of `那 (nà)` here means "in that case" or "then," explicitly linking the consensus to the action plan. This is common in group discussions or meetings. * **Example 5:** * 你**既然**不相信我，**也**就别问我了。 * Pinyin: Nǐ **jìrán** bù xiāngxìn wǒ, **yě** jiù bié wèn wǒ le. * English: Since you don't believe me, then don't bother asking me. * Analysis: The `也 (yě)` adds a sense of "also" or "in that case either," often with a slightly frustrated or resigned tone. "If A is true, then B is *also* true." * **Example 6:** * **既然**已经决定了，后悔**也**没用。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** yǐjīng juédìng le, hòuhuǐ **yě** méi yòng. * English: Since it's already been decided, regretting it is useless. * Analysis: This sentence expresses the finality of a situation. The premise is the decision, and the logical conclusion is the futility of regret. * **Example 7:** * **既然如此**，我无话可说。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán rúcǐ**, wǒ wú huà kě shuō. * English: Since it is so / In that case, I have nothing to say. * Analysis: `既然如此 (jìrán rúcǐ)` is a very common set phrase meaning "seeing as it's this way" or "in that case." It's a way to concede a point or express resignation. * **Example 8:** * **既然**病还没好，你**就**应该好好休息。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** bìng hái méi hǎo, nǐ **jiù** yīnggāi hǎohǎo xiūxi. * English: Since you're not well yet, you should rest properly. * Analysis: A clear example of giving advice based on the premise of the person's health condition. * **Example 9:** * 他**既然**不想来，我们**也**不要强迫他。 * Pinyin: Tā **jìrán** bùxiǎng lái, wǒmen **yě** bùyào qiǎngpò tā. * English: Since he doesn't want to come, we shouldn't force him either. * Analysis: This shows respect for another person's stated desire. The premise is "he doesn't want to come," and the respectful conclusion is "we won't force him." * **Example 10:** * **既然**任务这么紧急，我们必须马上行动。 * Pinyin: **Jìrán** rènwù zhème jǐnjí, wǒmen bìxū mǎshàng xíngdòng. * English: Since the task is so urgent, we must act immediately. * Analysis: A formal and strong statement, often used in a work or professional context. The urgency is the established fact that necessitates immediate action. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== The biggest pitfall for learners is confusing **既然 (jìrán)** with **因为 (yīnwèi)** and **如果 (rúguǒ)**. * **`既然 (jìrán)` vs. `因为 (yīnwèi)` (because)** * **`既然`** introduces a reason that is **already known or obvious** to both the speaker and listener. It's a shared premise. * **`因为`** introduces a reason that might be **new information** to the listener. It simply explains "why." * //Correct:// 我今天很高兴，**因为**我通过了考试。 (Wǒ jīntiān hěn gāoxìng, **yīnwèi** wǒ tōngguò le kǎoshì.) - "I'm happy today **because** I passed the exam." (The listener might not have known you passed). * //Correct:// **既然**你已经知道我通过了考试，**就**请我吃饭吧！ (**Jìrán** nǐ yǐjīng zhīdào wǒ tōngguò le kǎoshì, **jiù** qǐng wǒ chīfàn ba!) - "**Since** you already know I passed the exam, you should treat me to a meal!" (The premise is shared knowledge). * //Incorrect:// 我今天很高兴，**既然**我通过了考试。 (This is wrong because `既然` cannot simply be a substitute for "because" to introduce new information). * **`既然 (jìrán)` vs. `如果 (rúguǒ)` (if)** * **`既然`** is based on a **fact**. It is real. * **`如果`** is based on a **hypothetical** situation. It might happen, it might not. * //Fact:// **既然**下雨了，我们就不去了。(Jìrán xià yǔ le, wǒmen jiù bù qù le.) - **Since** it's raining (it is currently raining), we're not going. * //Hypothetical:// **如果**明天下雨，我们就不去了。(Rúguǒ míngtiān xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù bù qù le.) - **If** it rains tomorrow, we won't go. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[因为]] (yīnwèi) - "Because." The most common way to state a reason, which may be new information to the listener. * [[所以]] (suǒyǐ) - "Therefore," "so." The result clause that often follows a `因为` clause. * [[如果]] (rúguǒ) - "If." Introduces a hypothetical condition, the direct opposite of `既然`'s factual premise. * [[就]] (jiù) - "Then," "in that case." A crucial adverb that very frequently appears in the second clause of a `既然` sentence to link the conclusion to the premise. * [[那么]] (nàme) - "Then," "in that case." A slightly more formal alternative to `就` for connecting the two clauses. * [[由于]] (yóuyú) - "Due to," "owing to." A more formal synonym for `因为`, often used in written language. * [[既然如此]] (jìrán rúcǐ) - A common set phrase meaning "since it is so" or "in that case," used to show acceptance of a situation before stating a conclusion.