nàme: 那么 - Then, So, In that case

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• Summary: Learn how to use “那么” (nàme), one of the most essential words in Mandarin Chinese. This page provides a comprehensive guide for beginners on using `那么` to mean “so,” “then,” or “in that case.” Discover its role as a logical connector, a conversation filler, and a way to express degree, with dozens of practical example sentences, cultural insights, and common mistakes to avoid.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): nàme
• Part of Speech: Conjunction, Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A word used to introduce a result, conclusion, or next step based on a previous statement or context.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `那么` as a logical bridge in a conversation. It connects what was just said to what comes next. If you establish a situation (e.g., “It's raining”), `那么` introduces the logical consequence or reaction (e.g., “Then we should take an umbrella”). It's the verbal equivalent of pointing to the previous statement and saying, “based on that…”

• 那 (nà): This character means “that” or “those.” It's a demonstrative pronoun used to point to something further away in space, time, or concept.
• 么 (me): This is a particle or suffix that often doesn't have a strong meaning on its own. It attaches to other words to form questions (like in `什么 shénme` - “what?”) or to create adverbs.
• When combined, `那 (nà)` and `么 (me)` literally mean something like “like that” or “in that way.” This evolved into its modern use as “in that case” or “so,” because if a situation is “like that,” then a certain conclusion follows.

While `那么` is a functional grammar word, its frequent use highlights a key aspect of Chinese communication: establishing context before making a point. In many Western conversations, it's common to state the main point first and then provide supporting details. In Chinese, it's often preferred to lay the foundation, state the conditions, or describe the situation first. `那么` is the pivot. It's the signal that says, “Okay, I've given you all the background information; now here's the conclusion, question, or suggestion that logically follows.” For example, instead of saying, “Let's cancel the picnic because it's raining,” a Chinese speaker might structure it as: “It's raining. 那么, let's cancel the picnic.” (下雨了。那么，我们取消野餐吧。) This structure makes `那么` more than just a filler word like “well…” or “so…” in English. It's an explicit signpost of logical progression, creating a conversational flow that feels reasoned and smooth rather than abrupt.

`那么` is incredibly versatile and appears constantly in daily speech. Its usage falls into three main categories:

This is its primary function. It links a premise to a conclusion.

Used to start a new topic, resume a conversation after a pause, or take the floor in a discussion. It's often used at the very beginning of a sentence. In this sense, it's similar to “Alright then…” or “Okay, so…” in English.

When placed before an adjective or verb, `那么` means “so” or “that,” used to emphasize the degree of the quality being described. It's the counterpart to `这么 (zhème)`, which means “this” + adjective (e.g., this tall).

• Example 1:
  • 外面在下大雨，那么我们今天就别出门了。
  • Pinyin: Wàimiàn zài xià dàyǔ, nàme wǒmen jīntiān jiù bié chūmén le.
  • English: It's raining heavily outside, so let's not go out today.
  • Analysis: A classic example of logical consequence. Premise: It's raining. Conclusion introduced by `那么`: Let's not go out.
• Example 2:
  • A: 我今天感觉不太舒服。 (Wǒ jīntiān gǎnjué bù tài shūfú.) - I don't feel very well today.
  • B: 那么你应该在家好好休息。 (nàme nǐ yīnggāi zài jiā hǎohǎo xiūxí.)
  • English: In that case, you should rest well at home.
  • Analysis: Speaker B uses `那么` to offer a suggestion that directly follows from Speaker A's statement.
• Example 3:
  • 我没想到这家餐厅的菜那么好吃！
  • Pinyin: Wǒ méi xiǎngdào zhè jiā cāntīng de cài nàme hǎochī!
  • English: I didn't expect this restaurant's food to be so delicious!
  • Analysis: Here, `那么` is used as an adverb of degree to emphasize “delicious.” It means “that delicious” or “so delicious.”
• Example 4:
  • 那么，我们现在开始会议吧。
  • Pinyin: Nàme, wǒmen xiànzài kāishǐ huìyì ba.
  • English: Alright then, let's start the meeting now.
  • Analysis: `那么` is used as a transition marker to officially begin the meeting, gathering everyone's attention.
• Example 5:
  • 既然你已经决定了，那么我也不多说什么了。
  • Pinyin: Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, nàme wǒ yě bù duō shuō shénme le.
  • English: Since you've already decided, then I won't say anything more.
  • Analysis: `那么` works perfectly in the `既然…那么…` (Since… then…) pattern to show a logical result.
• Example 6:
  • 你为什么看起来那么累？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme kàn qǐlái nàme lèi?
  • English: Why do you look so tired?
  • Analysis: Another adverb of degree example. `那么` modifies “tired” to ask about the high degree of tiredness.
• Example 7:
  • 大家都同意这个计划。那么，下一步是什么？
  • Pinyin: Dàjiā dōu tóngyì zhège jìhuà. Nàme, xià yí bù shì shénme?
  • English: Everyone agrees with this plan. So, what's the next step?
  • Analysis: `那么` is used to ask a follow-up question that logically proceeds from the established fact.
• Example 8:
  • 如果机票太贵，那么我们就坐火车去吧。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ jīpiào tài guì, nàme wǒmen jiù zuò huǒchē qù ba.
  • English: If the plane tickets are too expensive, then let's just take the train.
  • Analysis: Used in a conditional “if… then…” structure (`如果…那么…`). `那么` introduces the resulting action based on the condition.
• Example 9:
  • A: 这个手机的功能很强大。(Zhège shǒujī de gōngnéng hěn qiángdà.) - The features on this phone are very powerful.
  • B: 那么价格一定也很贵吧？(Nàme jiàgé yídìng yě hěn guì ba?)
  • English: Then the price must also be very expensive, right?
  • Analysis: Speaker B is making a logical inference based on Speaker A's comment, using `那么` to introduce their assumption.
• Example 10:
  • 他这个人做事从来不考虑后果，那么他失败也是正常的。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén zuòshì cónglái bù kǎolǜ hòuguǒ, nàme tā shībài yěshì zhèngcháng de.
  • English: He never considers the consequences when he does things, so it's normal for him to fail.
  • Analysis: This sentence establishes a long premise (his character trait) and uses `那么` to introduce the inevitable conclusion.

• `那么` vs. `然后 (ránhòu)`: This is a critical distinction.
  • `然后 (ránhòu)` means “afterwards” and describes a sequence of events in time. First A happened, *then* B happened.
    • Correct: 我先吃饭，然后看电视。(Wǒ xiān chīfàn, ránhòu kàn diànshì.) - I eat first, and then I watch TV.
    • Incorrect: 我先吃饭，那么看电视。
  • `那么 (nàme)` describes a logical consequence, not a time sequence. Because of A, *therefore* B.
• `那么` vs. `所以 (suǒyǐ)`: These can often be translated as “so,” but they have different flavors.
  • `所以 (suǒyǐ)` indicates a stronger, more direct cause-and-effect relationship. It means “therefore.” It's more formal.
  • `那么 (nàme)` is softer, more like “in that case” or “well then.” It indicates a logical next step or suggestion, not necessarily a direct result.
  • In many cases they are interchangeable, but `那么` is more common in spoken, conversational transitions, while `所以` is better for stating a clear reason and result.
• Confusing `那么` (so/then) with `那个 (nàge)` (that one): A common beginner mistake.
  • `那个 (nàge)` is a pronoun used to point at a specific thing. “I want that one.” (我要那个。)
  • `那么 (nàme)` is a conjunction/adverb. “He is so tall.” (他那么高。)

• 所以 (suǒyǐ) - Therefore, so. Emphasizes a clear cause-and-effect relationship; often more formal than `那么`.
• 然后 (ránhòu) - Then, afterwards. Used for sequential actions in time, not logical consequence.
• 这么 (zhème) - So, this way, like this. The “near” version of `那么`. Used to describe things conceptually or physically closer to the speaker (e.g., “Why is it this expensive?”).
• 既然 (jìrán) - Since, now that. A conjunction that establishes a premise, often followed by `那么` or `就` to state the conclusion.
• 因此 (yīncǐ) - Therefore, for this reason. A more formal synonym for `所以`, common in written Chinese.
• 那 (nà) - That. Can often be used as a shortened, very informal version of `那么` at the beginning of a sentence to mean “Well then…” or “In that case…”.
• 于是 (yúshì) - Thereupon, as a result. Connects two events where the second happens as a direct consequence of the first, often with a sense of chronological progression.