How to use 那么、那
那么⋯⋯
那么 can introduce a response based on circumstances already established. The following clause may draw an inference, propose a next step, make a decision, or ask what should happen next. The shorter 那 is common in conversation. English may use “then,” “so,” or “in that case” for this transition.
The earlier situation can appear in the same sentence or come from a previous speaker's turn. This makes the construction useful for moving a discussion forward. It overlaps with some result connections expressed by 所以, but the words are not interchangeable in every setting. Focus on a context-based response rather than assuming every English “so” must express a direct cause and effect relationship in Chinese.
Examples with pinyin and English
他不听， 那我应该怎么办？
He won't listen. So what should I do?
你说这个办法不行， 那你有别的办法吗？
You said this idea is not going to work. So do you have any other ideas?
大家都到了， 那么我们开始吧。
Everybody is here, so let's begin.
雨停了， 那我们走吧。
The rain has stopped, so let's leave.
What to remember
- Use 那么 or 那 before the response.
- The circumstances may come from an earlier turn.
- Decisions, inferences, and questions can all follow.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.