既然 jìrán since
since; given that; now that
How to remember 既然: 既 already + 然 however = since.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Since / given that' - states an accepted fact as grounds, second clause often has 就 - 既然你来了，就留下吧 (jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù liúxià ba) since you're here, stay.
- Contrast 因为 (yīnwèi, because): 因为 gives a cause the listener may not know; 既然 builds on a fact both already accept, drawing a natural conclusion.
- The follow-up is usually a suggestion or decision, not just an effect.
Example sentences
- 既然母亲病了，我就待在家里没去上学。 Jìrán mǔqīn bìng le, wǒ jiù dàizàijiālǐ méi qù shàngxué.Since my mother was sick, I stayed home from school.
- 既然天晴了，我们把衣服晾了吧。 Jìrán tiānqíng le, wǒmen bǎ yīfu liàng le ba.Since the weather became sunny, let's hang our clothes.