Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"

The "要...就" grammar structure can be used to express the same meaning as "如果...就" However,"要...就" is more intense and resolute, similar to imperative sentences (command sentences). Therefore, "要...是" sentences typically do not have a subject, but they can have a topic. This grammar form is similar to the English "If you want to (verb) just (verb)..."

"要…就…"可以用来表达“如果…就…"的意义，不过"要…就…"的语气要比"如果…就…"更强烈更坚定，类似祈使句，所以一般不出现主语，但是可以加话题。在英文中同once类似。

Structure

要 Verb 就 Verb

Topic + 要 Verb 就 Verb + Complement

Examples

• 要 学 就 学 好，不 要 马马虎虎。
• 要 买 就 快 买，我们 来不及 了。
• 这 件 事情 要 做 就 做 完，不然 会 很 麻烦。
• 要 想 吃 就 吃，不用 客气。

See also

• "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

HSK5