Expressing indifference with "jiu"

Revision as of 08:34, 20 October 2016 by Salisbuj (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

Verb + 就 + Verb

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?Just don't eat, then. You thought I wanted to eat?
  • 去,反正在家也没事。If you want to go, just go. There's nothing happening at home anyway.

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。Be dissatisfied if you want, but 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 like it's my fault.
  • 生气生气,谁怕谁!Get angry if you want. You think you scare me?

See also

Sources and further reading

HSK5