Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"

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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⋯⋯就⋯⋯ 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)..."

Structure

要 + Verb + 就 + Verb

Examples

Note that the verbs in this pattern are usually single-syllable verbs.

  • 走 ,我们 不 需要 你 。Yào zǒu jiù zǒu, wǒmen bù xūyào nǐ.If you want to leave, leave. We don't need you.
  • 买 ,我们 快 关门 了 。Yào mǎi jiù mǎi, wǒmen kuài guānmén le.If you're going to buy it, buy it now. We are about to close the shop.
  • 说 ,别 在 背后 说 。Yào shuō jiù shuō, bié Zài bèihòu shuō.If you're going to say it, say it now. Don't talk behind people's backs.
  • 去 ,不用 等 我们 。Yàojiù qù, bùyòng děng wǒmen.If you want to go, go now. You don't need to wait for us.
  • 吃饭 吃饭 ,吃 什么 零食 。Yào chīfàn jiù chīfàn, chī shénme língshí.If you want to eat, eat. Don't just snack.

It's possible to modify the second verb a little bit as well, as long as it's short.

  • 快 点 去 。Yàojiù kuài diǎn qù.If you want to go, go fast.
  • 自己 拿 。Yào chī jiù zìjǐ ná.If you want to eat, go ahead and grab some.
  • 好好 学 。Yào xué jiù hǎo hào xué.If you want to study it, study it well.
  • 问 清楚 。Yào wèn jiù wèn qīngchǔ.If you want to ask, then ask clearly.
  • 早点 买 。Yào dìng jiù zǎodiǎn dìng.If you want to book it, book it soon.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK5