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. It can be placed before or after the subject. But if the subjects in the two clauses are the same, 既然 is more often put after the subject.

Structure

Examples

你既然不想说，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)
她既然刚刚分手，那现在应该是单身吧。 Since she just had a breakup, she should be single now.an inference)
既然你们是好朋友，那他肯定会帮你吧。Since you guys are good friends, he will definitely help you.an inference)
既然大家都不感兴趣，就换个话题吧。Since nobody is interested, let's 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

Examples

你既然不喜欢他，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，那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)

既然 followed by an affirmative sentence

Structure

Examples

既然 followed by a question

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books