是吧 and Other Phrases

[RedCloud]

In Mandarin, how often do people use the word "Now" to start a sentence? For example:

"Now, that's a good point, but..."

or

"Now let's get started."

This is used alot in english, what about Mandarin? Should I just use "我们开始吧"?

[WestTexas]

No, this is not used in Mandarin. Consider that the word 'now' in both of your examples has essentially no meaning. It can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentences. Hence, it doesn't get translated.

[RedCloud]

好的,

Would my last sentence, "我们开始吧", make more sense then?

谢谢！

[abcdefg]

I often hear and use 那么 as a sentence starter in that context. 那么，我们开始吧。

[esoyohoo]

Indeed, sometime 那么=now, because as WestTexas say removing these words will not change the meaning. BTW,我们开始吧 is good enough. 那么我们开始吧 is ueds in the condition someone already proposes to start or you ask for the permission to start. 我们开始吧 is using when you are the one who propose starting and no need others' permission.

[abcdefg]

Right. I meant in the context of a discussion that lead to a decision, and then action was taken based on that decision.

[RedCloud]

Lots of great info here, thanks.

[Tiana]

Consider also: "好的，我们开始吧!" and "好了，我们开始吧!"