那么 … (then / in that case)
IntroducedA reply follows a new piece of information
- A friend says everything is ready, so you suggest leaving.
- then那么we我们go走(suggestion)吧。 — then那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
A friend says everything is ready, so you suggest leaving. What does 那么我们走吧。 communicate?
那么 introduces a response based on what was just said. This use means in that case, not degree as in 那么高. It does not itself indicate an exact future time; 那我们走吧 is a common shorter reply.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is then那么 … (then / in that case). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
then那么we我们go走吧。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Then let's go: ____ 我们走吧。
那么 … = then / in that case: 那么我们走吧.
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, then那么we我们go走(suggestion)吧。: then那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
What does 那么 do here?
那么 opens a reaction that follows from the previous remark.
Build: “Then let's go.”
那么 + Subj + Predicate: 那么 + 我们 + 走吧.
Know the boundary
- This use means in that case, not degree as in then那么high高.
- It does not itself indicate an exact future time; that那we我们go走(suggestion)吧 is a common shorter reply.
In speech 那么 is often shortened to 那.
Yes: 那好吧, 那我们走吧.
那么我们走吧 means that the group must leave at a specified clock time.
This use means in that case, not degree as in 那么高. It does not itself indicate an exact future time; 那我们走吧 is a common shorter reply. 那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
Use the distinction
- then那么 introduces a response based on what was just said.
- This use means in that case, not degree as in then那么high高. It does not itself indicate an exact future time; that那we我们go走(suggestion)吧 is a common shorter reply.
Read the full reference: HSK 3 grammar — Conjunctions.
A friend says everything is ready, so you suggest leaving. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.