HSK 3
如果……(的话), 就……
rúguǒ……( dehuà), jiù……
if …, then…
Structure
如果 + Condition + (的话) , Subject + 就 + Result
How it works
This structure is used to express a conditional relationship. '如果' (rúguǒ) introduces the condition, while '就' (jiù) introduces the result or consequence that follows if that condition is met. The '的话' (dehuà) is optional and serves to further emphasize the 'if' part of the sentence.
Examples
如果你有时间，我们就去爬山。
Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shíjiān, wǒmen jiù qù páshān.
If you have time, we will go mountain climbing.
如果明天下雨的话，我就不去了。
Rúguǒ míngtiān xiàyǔ dehuà, wǒ jiù bú qù le.
If it rains tomorrow, then I won't go.
如果你想看电影，就告诉我。
Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng kàn diànyǐng, jiù gàosù wǒ.
If you want to watch a movie, just tell me.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to place '就' (jiù) before the verb in the second clause, or placing it before the subject.
Tip
Think of '就' as the 'then' that bridges the condition to the action. Even if you omit '如果', keeping '就' still conveys a conditional meaning in spoken Chinese.
More HSK 3 grammar
See 如果……(的话), 就…… in real Chinese
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