jìrán: 既然 - Since, Now That, Given That

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• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

• 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.