既然……(那)就……
Reach for this when you want to draw a practical conclusion from a fact that is already established — 'since X is the case, then [we should] Y.' 既然 takes a given that both speakers accept; the 就 clause spells out the action or conclusion that logically follows. It is the connector for 'well, given that…': 'since you're already here, stay for dinner'; 'since it's cold, wear more clothes.'
Structure
既然 [ACCEPTED FACT], (那)就 [CONCLUSION]
jìrán... (nà) jiù...
How to Think About It
既然 differs from 因为 in a small but crucial way: 因为 PRESENTS a reason as new information, while 既然 ASSUMES the reason is already on the table and pivots to what to do about it. Use 既然 when both you and the listener already accept the premise — that's why it often shows up in advice and decisions, not in explanations.
Examples
既然冷, 那就多穿衣服。
Jìrán lěng, nà jiù duō chuān yīfu.
Since it's cold, put on more clothes.
既然你已经决定了, 我就不再劝你了。
Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, wǒ jiù bú zài quàn nǐ le.
Since you've already decided, I won't try to persuade you anymore.
既然来了, 就好好玩一下吧。
Jìrán lái le, jiù hǎohǎo wán yíxià ba.
Since you're already here, you might as well enjoy yourself.
Common Mistake
Learners swap 既然 with 因为. Both translate to 'because,' but 因为 introduces a fresh reason; 既然 picks up a reason that's already understood. Saying 因为冷, 就多穿衣服 sounds like you're explaining cold to someone who didn't know; 既然 says 'we both know it's cold, so dress warm.'
因为冷, 那就多穿衣服。
既然冷, 那就多穿衣服。
Don't Confuse With
因为...所以...
Plain cause-and-effect with the reason as new info. Use 因为 when you're EXPLAINING why; use 既然 when the listener already accepts the reason.
如果...就...
Hypothetical, not factual. 如果 says 'IF X happens'; 既然 says 'GIVEN that X is the case.' Don't use 既然 for unrealized conditions.
由于...因此...
Formal written cause-and-effect. Used in essays and news; 既然 stays conversational and decision-focused.
Practice
___ 冷, 那就多穿衣服。
Show answer
既然
既然你已经决定了, 我 ___ 不再劝你了。
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就
Arrange: [既然 / 就 / 来了 / 玩 / 好好 / 一下吧]
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既然来了, 就好好玩一下吧。
Translate to Chinese: 'Since you're not feeling well, you should rest at home today.'
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既然你不舒服, 那就在家休息吧。
Write one sentence using 既然...就... to give a friend practical advice based on a fact they've shared.
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Example answer: 既然你这么喜欢这份工作, 就接受这个 offer 吧。 (Since you like this job so much, just accept the offer.)
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode:
Related Grammar Patterns
Acquire by listening
Hear 既然……(那)就…… in real Chinese, not in a textbook.
Fluentide picks the next news episode at your level, so this pattern shows up again and again in real context. The transcript marks it, the audio drills it. Free to start, no card.