Expressing indifference with "jiu"

Revision as of 07:23, 31 July 2013 by Simingjie (talk | contribs)


One of the many uses of 就 (jiù) is to add emphasis to indifference. This is similar to when we say in English "if you want to do it, then just do it!" and swapping out the "do" in that sentence for some other verb.

Structure with Verbs

V. + 就 + V.

This structure will usually add emphasis to what are saying, and it often expresses that the speaker has an "I don't care" attitude.


Examples

  • 不吃不吃,你以为我很想吃啊?I don't want to eat, so I won't. You think I really want to?
  • 去,反正在家也没事。If you want to go, then go. Besides, there's nothing happening at home.

Structure with Negative Adj.

Negative Adj. + 就 + Negative Adj.

You can also add in an adjective with a negative connotation. The use is the same here.


Examples

  • 不满意不满意,我也没办法。Dissatisfied or not, there's nothing I can do.
  • 她不高兴不高兴,又不是我的错。If she's unhappy, she's unhappy. It's not my fault.
  • 生气生气,谁怕谁!Get angry if you want, I'm not scared.

See also

Sources and further reading

HSK5