既然…就…
HSK 4- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
既然…就… expresses a logical conclusion or suggestion based on an acknowledged fact.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The correlative conjunction 既然…就… is used to draw an inference, conclusion, or suggestion based on a premise or fact that is already clear or mutually acknowledged. 既然 introduces that premise and can be translated as "since/now that." 就 introduces the logical conclusion that follows, equivalent to "then/in that case." This structure emphasizes the reasonableness of the subsequent action.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 既然下雨了，我们就在家吧。繁: 既然下雨了，我們就在家吧。Jìrán xià yǔ le, wǒmen jiù zài jiā ba.
Since it's already raining, let's just stay home.
- 既然你累了，就早点休息吧。繁: 既然你累了，就早點休息吧。Jìrán nǐ lèi le, jiù zǎodiǎn xiūxi ba.
Since you're tired, you should rest early.
- 既然他不想说，你就别问了。繁: 既然他不想說，你就別問了。Jìrán tā bù xiǎng shuō, nǐ jiù bié wèn le.
Since he doesn't want to say, you shouldn't ask anymore.
- 既然你答应了，就一定要做到。繁: 既然你答應了，就一定要做到。Jìrán nǐ dāying le, jiù yídìng yào zuò dào.
Since you have already promised, you must definitely follow through.
- 既然大家都同意，那就这么办吧。繁: 既然大家都同意，那就這麼辦吧。Jìrán dàjiā dōu tóngyì, nà jiù zhème bàn ba.
Since everyone has agreed, let's do it that way.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:既然明天不下雨，我们就去爬山。Correct:如果明天不下雨，我们就去爬山。
既然 is used for known facts, not for hypothetical situations about the future; use 如果 (if) for hypotheticals instead.
- Wrong:既然你不想去，你别去了。Correct:既然你不想去，那你就别去了。
This is a paired structure. The latter clause requires 就 or 那就 to express logical inference from the preceding clause.