既然…就…
since (as we both know) …, then …
Structure
既然 已知的事实 ， 就／那么 推论
What it means
“Since (as we both know) …, then …”: takes a fact both sides accept and draws a conclusion from it.
How it is built
既然 + known fact，(subject) 就／那么 + conclusion: 既然你已经决定了，我就不多说了 (Since you have already decided, I will say no more).
When to use it
因为 explains a cause the listener may not know; 既然 starts from something already known. The second half is often advice, a decision or a question: 既然收了礼，就得回礼.
Watch out
Don’t use 既然 for news the listener doesn’t know yet: ✗ 既然我昨天病了，所以没来。 ✓ 因为我昨天病了，所以没来。
Examples
既然收了别人的礼，就得回礼。
Since you accepted the gift, you must give one in return.
既然你已经决定了，我就不多说了。
Since you have already decided, I will say no more.
Learn this in Lesson 30 · HSK 5–6: 面子、关系与人情 (Face, connections and favours)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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