Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu..."

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This pattern tells us that as soon as (一, yī) one thing happened, then (就, jiù) another thing happened immediately afterward.

Structure

The pattern involves two different events, the first preceded by "一", and then the second event, which follows in quick succession, preceded by 就.

一 + Event 1 + 就 + Event 2

The subjects of the two "Events" can be the same, but they don't have to be. If they're the same, then you don't need to repeat the subject for the second one.

Examples

  • 看到 他 很 紧张 。As soon as I saw him, I was nervous.
  • 想到 下个月 去巴黎 很 兴奋。As soon as I though about going to Paris next month, I was excited.
  • 生气 脸 红 。As soon as he gets angry, his face turns red.

Sources and further reading

Books