那么

• Pinyin: nà me
• Hanzi breakdown: 那 (nà) — that; 么 (me) — suffix particle

Meaning

So; that; then; in that case. Used to indicate degree or to connect clauses logically.

Has two main uses: (1) as a degree adverb meaning 'so/that much' — 那么远 (so far), 那么多 (so many); (2) as a conjunction meaning 'then/in that case' — connecting a condition to its consequence. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 你为什么那么开心？ Why are you so happy?
2. 那么，我们什么时候出发？ So, when do we set off?
3. 天气那么好，我们出去走走吧。 The weather is so nice — let's go for a walk.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, transitions, emphasis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你怎么那么忙？(How come you're so busy?)
• 那么我们走吧。(In that case, let's go.)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆'那么'和'这么' (那么 refers to 'that' degree — farther from the speaker; 这么 refers to 'this' degree — closer to the speaker)

Origin & History

Compound of 那 (that) and 么 (a suffix particle). Originally a demonstrative meaning 'in that manner', which developed into both a degree adverb and a transitional conjunction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal