既然 (jìrán)

既然 introduces a premise that both speaker and listener accept as true, then draws a logical conclusion from it, similar to "since" or "now that."

Meanings

[conjunction] Since; given that; now that (accepts a known fact and derives a conclusion).

Example Sentences

既然你已经决定了，就努力去做吧。 Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, jiù nǔlì qù zuò ba. Since you have already decided, go ahead and do your best.

既然天气这么好，我们去爬山吧。 Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen qù páshān ba. Now that the weather is so nice, let's go hiking.

既然大家都同意，我们就开始吧。 Jìrán dàjiā dōu tóngyì, wǒmen jiù kāishǐ ba. Since everyone agrees, let's get started.

既然你来了，就多待一会儿吧。 Jìrán nǐ lái le, jiù duō dāi yīhuìr ba. Now that you are here, stay a little longer.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
既然如此	since that is the case
既然这样	since it is like this
既然已经	since (something) has already (happened)
既然决定	since (someone) has decided

Usage Notes

既然 refers to a situation that is already established or acknowledged. The conclusion clause often starts with 就, 那, or 那就. Unlike 因为, which introduces the reason, 既然 accepts the premise as already known and moves to what should follow.

Memory Hook

既 means "already" and 然 means "so/thus"; 既然 says "it is already so that..." and then draws the natural next step.