那么 vs 那 (nàme vs nà): “then” or “in that case”
那么 (nàme) and 那 (nà) both introduce a logical conclusion or follow-up meaning “then” or “in that case.” 那么 is more formal and common in writing or careful speech, while 那 is its colloquial shortened form used in everyday conversation. In most contexts they are interchangeable, but register determines the natural choice.
那么 and 那 both function as conjunctions meaning “then” or “in that case,” introducing a consequence or a logical next step. 那么 is the standard, more formal form, often used in written language, speeches, or careful spoken registers. 那 is the everyday colloquial clip; it dominates casual speech and is rarely used in formal writing. Although they overlap in many conditional and inferential contexts, choosing one over the other changes the tone from casual to deliberate. Additionally, 那 has a separate demonstrative meaning (“that”), while 那么 also serves as an adverb (“so, to such a degree”).
When to use each
Use 那么 in formal or careful speech and writing to show a logical conclusion or consequence, often following an “if” clause or a statement of fact. It is the preferred choice in essays, presentations, and polite conversation.
那么 is also used as an adverb meaning “so, to such a degree” (e.g., 那么贵 'so expensive'), which is distinct from the conjunctive use.
Use 那 as the everyday spoken equivalent of 那么 in casual conversation. It carries the same meaning but sounds more natural and concise in daily exchanges.
那 also functions as a demonstrative pronoun meaning “that” (e.g., 那个人 'that person'), so context is necessary to disambiguate. Unlike 那么, it does not serve as an adverb meaning “so”.
At a glance
| 那么 | 那 | |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | Formal / careful | Colloquial / casual |
| Preference in writing | Standard in formal writing | Rare in formal writing |
| Typical speech setting | Public speaking, meetings | Private conversation, texting |
| Can be used as adverb 'so'? | Yes (e.g., 那么大 'so big') | No |
Examples
- 那么如果明天下雨，那么比赛就会取消。Rúguǒ míngtiān xià yǔ, nàme bǐsài jiù huì qǔxiāo.If it rains tomorrow, then the game will be cancelled.Formal conditional structure; 那么 fits the careful tone.
- 那如果太贵，那就不买了。Rúguǒ tài guì, nà jiù bù mǎi le.If it's too expensive, then I won't buy it.Everyday speech; 那 sounds natural and concise.
- 那么既然你已经决定了，那么我就支持你。Jìrán nǐ yǐjīng juédìng le, nàme wǒ jiù zhīchí nǐ.Since you have already decided, then I'll support you.Moderately formal; 那么 is appropriate for a sober statement.
- 那你不来？那就算了。Nǐ bù lái? Nà jiù suàn le.You're not coming? Then forget it.Very common colloquial expression; 那 is the natural choice.
- 那么你累了？那么先休息一下吧。Nǐ lèi le? Nàme xiān xiūxi yīxià ba.Are you tired? Then take a rest first.Polite suggestion; 那么 softens the tone slightly.
- 那好了，那我们就这么说定了。Hǎo le, nà wǒmen jiù zhème shuō dìng le.Alright, then it's settled.Casual agreement; 那 is typical in conversational closures.
Common mistakes
- Using 那 as an adverb to mean 'so' (e.g., 那贵 instead of 那么贵).
- Overusing 那么 in casual speech, making the tone sound stiff or overly formal.
- Using 那 in formal writing where 那么 is expected (e.g., in essays or official documents).
- Confusing the demonstrative 那 (that) with the conjunctive 那 (then) in ambiguous sentences.
FAQ
- When do I use 那么 vs 那 for 'then'?
- Both mean 'then' or 'in that case,' but choose based on register. Use 那么 in formal or careful speech/writing; use 那 in casual conversation. In everyday talk, 那 is far more common.
- Can I always replace 那么 with 那?
- In spoken Chinese, often yes, but it may sound too casual for formal contexts. In writing, 那 is rarely appropriate unless you are writing dialogue or very informal text.
- Does 那 have other meanings I should know?
- Yes, 那 is also a demonstrative meaning 'that' (e.g., 那本书 'that book'). The conjunction use 'then' is distinguished by its position (often before 就) and by tone/context.
- Is 那么 only used as 'then'?
- No, 那么 is also a degree adverb meaning 'so, to such a degree' (e.g., 那么快 'so fast'). That usage does not overlap with 那.