既然…就 (jìrán…jiù) — Since...then

既然…就 (jìrán…jiù)

既然…就 is a grammar pattern that expresses a logical conclusion drawn from an already-established or accepted fact. It translates as "since (it is already the case that)...then..."

Structure

既然 + [accepted premise/fact] + 就 + [logical conclusion or action]

The 既然 clause introduces a fact or situation that is already accepted as true or has already happened. The 就 clause then draws a natural conclusion or recommended action from that premise. The speaker is not questioning the premise; they are using it to justify the conclusion.

Example Sentences

既然你已经决定了，就不要后悔。 Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, jiù bú yào hòuhuǐ. Since you have already decided, then don't regret it.

既然天气这么好，我们就去爬山吧。 Jìrán tiānqì zhème hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù pá shān ba. Since the weather is so nice, let's go hiking then.

既然你不喜欢这个工作，就应该考虑换一个。 Jìrán nǐ bù xǐhuān zhège gōngzuò, jiù yīnggāi kǎolǜ huàn yī gè. Since you don't like this job, you should consider changing to a different one.

既然大家都同意了，我们就按这个计划进行。 Jìrán dàjiā dōu tóngyì le, wǒmen jiù àn zhège jìhuà jìnxíng. Since everyone has agreed, we will proceed according to this plan.

Collocations

Usage Notes

既然…就 differs from 因为…所以 (because...therefore) in an important way: 因为…所以 introduces a reason to explain a result, while 既然…就 takes an already-accepted fact as a given and draws a consequence from it. The tone of 既然…就 often carries a sense of "there is no point arguing about the premise, so let us move forward logically." It is commonly used in persuasive speech and advice-giving.

Memory Hook

既然 means "since it is already so" -- picture someone shrugging and saying "OK, it's already done" (既然), so you "just" (就) need to deal with the logical next step.