Expressing "as long as" with "zhiyao"

只要⋯⋯就 (zhǐyào... jiù) means "as long as... then...." In other words, whenever A happens, B results.

Structure

Use this structure to express that "as long as" [something happens], "then" [something else will happen]. In logic, this is referred to as a "sufficient condition," meaning that it may not be the only way to bring about the these specific consequences, but it is one way.

只要 + [condition] + 就 + [result]

Examples

• 只要 人人 每天 都 做 一 件 好 事儿，社会 就 会 变 得 更 和谐。As long as everyone does one good thing every day, then society will become harmonious.
• 只要 下雨，她 就 会 心情 不 好 。As long as it's raining, she will be in a bad mood.
• 只要 有 你 在，我 就 放心 了 。 As long as you are here, I won't be worried.

See also

• "Only if" with "zhiyou"
• "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"

Sources and further reading

Books

• New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 83) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (p. 124) →buy