Grammar Point:
既然 jìrán is a conjunction in Chinese that can be translated as “since” or “now that”. It implies that the speaker has acknowledged the situation and is now making plans accordingly.
Structure
既然 + the fact + 那 / 就 / 那就 + suggestion
It can be used to give advice or make suggestions. And just like other conjunctions, 既然 jìrán can be placed before or after the subject. However, if the subjects in the two clauses are the same, 既然 jìrán is more commonly placed after the subject.
既然你打算結婚,那就更應該跟女朋友好好談既然你打算结婚,那就更应该跟女朋友好好谈
Since you plan to get married, it is better to have a good talk with your girlfriend.
既然買五個就有一個免費,我當然要買五個既然买五个就有一个免费,我当然要买五个
Since there is one free if you buy five, I definitely want to buy five.
(A suggestion for myself)
既然你說你明天沒空,那我就改天再來找你既然你说你明天没空,那我就改天再来找你
Since you said you’re not available tomorrow, I’ll come to see you another day.
既然你對繁體中文有興趣,我推薦你到台灣學中文既然你对繁体中文有兴趣,我推荐你到台湾学中文
Since you are interested in traditional Chinese, I recommend you learn Chinese in Taiwan.
FYI
So, there are these two ways of writing Chinese – Traditional and Simplified. Traditional Chinese characters have this really ancient vibe and are still used in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. They’re like a beautiful art form with all these intricate strokes and details. Now, Simplified Chinese characters came around in the 20th century. They have fewer strokes and simpler shapes, which makes them quicker to write and learn, but they might lead to a bit of confusion sometimes. They’re the norm in mainland China, and you’ll also see them in places like Singapore and Malaysia.
A useful tip: If you learn Traditional Chinese, you won’t have any difficulty reading Simplified. However, if you start with Simplified, you might find it challenging to understand Traditional characters later on.
既然 + Fact, (那 +) Rhetorical Question
When it goes to a question, 那 nà will be the only option to link these two clauses. However, in colloquial Chinese, dropping 那 nà is also acceptable.
你既然不喜歡這車子,那當初為什麼要買?你既然不喜欢这车子,那当初为什么要买?
If you don’t like the car, why did you buy it then?
既然現在機票那麼貴,我們為什麼一定要現在出國?既然现在机票那么贵,我们为什么一定要现在出国?
Since air tickets are so expensive now, why do we have to go overseas now?
既然他超級有錢,怎麼會要租車?既然他超级有钱,怎么会要租车?
If he is so rich, why does he need to rent a car?
既然這票不是給我的,那你是打算跟誰去?既然这票不是给我的,那你是打算跟谁去?
Since this ticket is not for me, who are you going to go with?
Common Mistakes
Many people mix up 既然 jìrán and 因为 yīnwèi, but 既然 jìrán is only used for facts that have already happened—things you’ve just realized and can’t change, often leading to a logical suggestion. On the other hand, 因为 yīnwèi doesn’t have these restrictions.
既然你很忙我們沒有時間去旅行既然你很忙我们没有时间去旅行 ❌
Since you’re busy, we don’t have time to travel.
(Not a suggestion)
既然你很忙我們下個月再去旅行既然你很忙我们下个月再去旅行 ✅
Since you’re busy, let’s travel next month instead.
既然我們明天會一起吃飯,我們應該現在預約餐廳既然我们明天会一起吃饭,我们应该现在预约餐厅 ❌
Since we’re having dinner together tomorrow, we should book a restaurant now.
(Not a fact that have already happened)
因為我們明天會一起吃飯,我們應該現在預約餐廳因为我们明天会一起吃饭,我们应该现在预约餐厅 ✅
Because we’re having dinner together tomorrow, we should book a restaurant now.