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既然 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
既然
jìrán
since
HSK 4, c, 21 strokes, rank #1077, Medium
既然
jìrán
as
HSK 4, c, 21 strokes, rank #1077, Medium
既然
jìrán
this being the case
HSK 4, c, 21 strokes, rank #1077, Medium
jìrán(ji4ran2)ji ran T4
1since
2as
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March 24, 2026
既然jìrán(ji4ran2)
既然 is used to introduce a premise or reason, meaning 'since' or 'as'. It indicates that something is accepted as true, allowing for a conclusion or action to follow based on that premise. It is often used in spoken and written Chinese to clarify situations or justify decisions.
Strokes21Frequency#1077DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
The usage of 既然 reflects a logical way of thinking prevalent in Chinese culture, where reasoning and justification are often emphasized in discussions and negotiations. It showcases the importance of context and rationale in decision-making processes.
Memory tip
Think of 既 (jì) as a 'key' that unlocks a reason, and 然 (rán) as a 'ran' down the path of logic. Together, they form the phrase that opens up the reasoning behind a statement, much like a key opens a door to understanding.
Meanings of 既然
jìrán(ji4ran2)
1since
2as
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About 既然
既然Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#1077Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 既然
Podcast: 既然
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AI study notes for 既然
Usage Notes
既然 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in conversation and writing. A common mistake is to confuse it with 然后 (ránhòu), which means 'then' or 'after that'; remember that 既然 focuses on the reason rather than the sequence of actions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 既然 connects well with other conjunctions and phrases related to reasoning and causation. Students should practice using it in sentences that express conditions and consequences, enhancing their ability to form complex sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 既然 in a context that requires a different conjunction, like using it instead of 因为 (yīnwèi) for 'because'. For example, saying '既然我没去，因为下雨' is incorrect; it should be '因为我没去，既然下雨' to properly indicate cause.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 既然
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既然 is used to introduce a premise or reason, meaning 'since' or 'as'. It indicates that something is accepted as true, allowing for a conclusion or action to follow based on that premise. It is often used in spoken and written Chinese to clarify situations or justify decisions.
When to use 既然
既然 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in conversation and writing. A common mistake is to confuse it with 然后 (ránhòu), which means 'then' or 'after that'; remember that 既然 focuses on the reason rather than the sequence of actions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 既然 in a context that requires a different conjunction, like using it instead of 因为 (yīnwèi) for 'because'. For example, saying '既然我没去，因为下雨' is incorrect; it should be '因为我没去，既然下雨' to properly indicate cause.
Write 既然
既
然
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Grammar patterns of 既然
既然 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
