Causal Compound: 既然...就... (Since / Now That)
既然……，就……
Draw logical conclusions from established facts using 既然...就...
Use 既然 to state a fact or situation that is already known or established, then use 就 to draw a logical conclusion or make a suggestion based on that fact. Unlike 因为 (because), 既然 refers to something both speaker and listener already know.
既然 differs from 因为 in that the cause is already known and accepted by both parties. 既然 often carries a tone of "well, since that is already the case, then logically we should..." It frequently appears in suggestions, persuasion, and reasoning.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Causal Compound: 既然...就... (Since / Now That) (既然……，就……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 既然……，就…… pattern
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Understanding 既然……，就……
The 既然...就... pattern is used when the reason or cause is already established, known, or acknowledged — and the speaker draws a natural conclusion from it. This is different from 因为...所以..., where you may be informing the listener of the cause. With 既然, you are saying "since we both already know X, then logically Y follows." It is extremely useful for making suggestions, giving advice, and reasoning with others. For example, if your friend has already decided to study abroad, you might say 既然你决定出国了，就好好准备吧 (Since you have decided to go abroad, prepare well). The pattern conveys a sense of accepting reality and moving forward logically. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, especially when persuading someone or reaching a practical conclusion.
Key Points
- 既然 (jìrán) means "since" or "now that" — it refers to an already-known fact.
- The fact after 既然 is not new information — both speaker and listener are aware of it.
- 就 introduces the logical conclusion, suggestion, or natural consequence.
- Unlike 因为, 既然 does not explain why something happened — it accepts the situation and reasons forward.
- Often used for advice and persuasion: "Since X is true, you should do Y."
- 既然 usually appears at the beginning of the sentence or after the subject.
Chinese speakers often use 既然...就... to gently persuade or advise someone. Rather than directly telling someone what to do, they acknowledge the person's situation first (既然你已经决定了...), which shows respect for their autonomy, and then offer a logical suggestion (就好好努力吧). This indirect approach is valued in Chinese communication.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
既然这事你已经决定了，我就不说什么了。
Since you have already decided on this, I will not say anything more.
既然外面下雨了，我们就明天再去吧。
Since it is raining outside, let us go tomorrow instead.
既然你不舒服，就早点儿休息吧。
Since you are not feeling well, rest early.
既然大家都同意了，我们就开始吧。
Since everyone agrees, let us begin.
既然你来了，就多待几天吧。
Since you are already here, stay a few more days.
既然他不愿意帮忙，我们就自己想办法吧。
Since he is not willing to help, let us figure it out ourselves.
既然已经迟到了，就不用着急了。
Since we are already late, there is no need to hurry.
Common Mistakes
既然 pairs with 就, not 所以. Also, 既然 refers to established facts, so 了 is often needed to indicate the situation is already the case.
When the fact is already known and you are drawing a conclusion, use 既然 not 因为. 因为 is for explaining causes, not for reasoning from established facts.
既然 requires the fact to be established or known. A future prediction needs a source (like a weather forecast) to count as established.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The key difference: 因为 explains a cause (may be new info), while 既然 accepts a known fact and draws a conclusion.
Pair: 既然 + 就. Never: 既然 + 所以. This is one of the most commonly tested points.
When using 既然, the fact should already be established — often marked by 了 or 已经.
Use 既然 to give gentle advice: "Since X is already the case, why not Y?"
Homework
Write six dialogues where one person states a fact and the other responds with 既然...就... to give advice or make a suggestion. Topics: being late, feeling sick, finishing work, deciding to move, passing an exam, and losing a phone.