HSK 4
只要……(就)……
zhǐyào……( jiù)……
as long as… then…
Structure
只要 + Condition, (Subject) + 就 + Result
How it works
This structure is used to express a sufficient condition. It means 'as long as' the first condition is met, the second result will naturally follow or be possible.
Examples
只要努力，你就能学会汉语。
Zhǐyào nǔlì, nǐ jiù néng xuéhuì Hànyǔ.
As long as you work hard, you can learn Chinese.
只要明天下雨，我们就去图书馆。
Zhǐyào míngtiān xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù qù túshūguǎn.
As long as it rains tomorrow, we will go to the library.
只要你喜欢，我就给你买。
Zhǐyào nǐ xǐhuan, wǒ jiù gěi nǐ mǎi.
As long as you like it, I will buy it for you.
Common mistakes
Confusing '只要' (only need/as long as) with '只有' (only if/only when). '只有' is used for a necessary/unique condition and is paired with '才'.
Tip
Remember that '就' almost always follows '只要' in the second clause to link the result, even if it feels repetitive in English.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 只要……(就)…… in real Chinese
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