asi vs. asi que

Question

Is there a subtle difference implied between "asi" and "así que", or is the difference not so subtle?

Accepted Answer

Hola Gerald
"Así" is more commonly used as an adverb of manner, meaning "this way / like this". For example:

Lo estás haciendo mal, hazlo así.
You're doing it wrong, do it this way/like this.

"Así que..." is the one we mostly use to express "therefore...", "so...". For example:

Me voy a dormir, así que no hagáis mucho ruido.
I'm going to bed, so don't make a lot of noise.

However, there is a use of "así" as an adverb that is very similar to "así que" expressing consequence. This next example is taken from RAE for their entry on "así":

3. adv. Entonces, por consiguiente. "Se complementaban bien, y, así, lo que le faltaba al uno lo ponía el otro." 
They complemented each other well, and, thus, what one lacked, the other provided.

As you can see, there is also a cause-effect/consequence meaning here. You could also use "así que" in this same sentence:
Se complementaban bien, así que lo que le faltaba al uno lo ponía el otro." 
Here's all the different meanings/uses of así according to RAE. You'll see there are a few more.
I hope it helps.
Saludos
Inma