Expressing "even if…" with "jiushi"

Revision as of 06:41, 16 July 2013 by Simingjie (talk | contribs)

就是 (jiùshì) is one of the many "even ifs". Like 即使 , 就算 and 哪怕 it is used to introduce a hypothetical statement, which can then disregarded with 也.

Structure

就是 + [hypothetical statement] + 也 + [action]

Examples

  • 就是 这 台 电脑 价格 上万,我 会 买。Even if this computer's price is over 10,000 yuan, I'm still going to buy it.
  • 就是 降温 了,我 要 穿 热裤,时尚 嘛!Even if it's starting to get cooler, I'm still going to wear short shorts. It's the fad!
  • 就是 他 变成 一个 穷光蛋,我 愿意 跟 他 在 一起。Even if you were hopelessly poor, I would still be willing to be with you.

Note that the clause used after 就是 must be hypothetical, otherwise 虽然 should be used:

  • 现在 虽然 是 高峰期,但 无论如何 我 都 要 出去。
  • 现在 就是 是 高峰期,我 也 要 出去。

In the sentence above, it being rush hour is not a hypothetical statement, so it is incorrect to use 就是.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK5