gei3 jin4既然
Jyutpinggei3 jin4
Yalegei yìhn
Definition
Since; now that; used to introduce a situation followed by an opinion, advice, or question based on it.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
Connects a premise to a logical conclusion or a follow up action. It creates a sense of inevitability or resignation, often implying that the speaker is making a decision based on the facts already presented. While it is used in both speech and writing, it is slightly more formal than the more common spoken structure using 既然...咁樣.
Examples
Since you don't want to go anyway, let's reschedule.
Since everyone is here, why don't we eat together?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 既然 to mean because, but it is specifically for logical deduction rather than stating a simple cause and effect. It should not be used to explain a reason for a past event, like saying I was late because it rained.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
