Conditional: 只要……就…… (As Long As)
条件复句：只要……就……
Express sufficient conditions using 只要……就…… (as long as… then…)
只要……就…… expresses that a condition is sufficient for a result to happen. "As long as X, then Y." The condition in the 只要 clause is all that is needed — nothing else is required.
只要 literally means "only need" — it frames the condition as the ONE thing required. 就 then introduces the guaranteed result. This pattern emphasizes that the condition is both necessary and sufficient.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Conditional: 只要……就…… (As Long As) (条件复句：只要……就……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 条件复句：只要……就…… pattern
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Understanding 条件复句：只要……就……
Sometimes you want to say "all you need to do is X, and Y will happen." That is exactly what 只要……就…… does. It tells the listener that one condition is enough: 只要你认真学习，就一定能取得好成绩 (As long as you study earnestly, you will definitely get good grades). The power of this pattern is in its simplicity and confidence — it says "THIS is what matters, nothing else." Parents love this pattern for motivation, teachers use it for encouragement, and friends use it for reassurance. The 只要 clause sets the minimum requirement, and the 就 clause promises the result. It is optimistic and empowering — learn it and you can motivate people in Chinese.
Key Points
- 只要 (zhǐyào) = "as long as / provided that" — introduces the sufficient condition.
- 就 (jiù) = "then" — introduces the guaranteed result.
- The condition is presented as the ONLY thing needed for the result.
- 只要 always comes in the FIRST clause, 就 in the SECOND.
- Often paired with 一定 (definitely) in the result clause for emphasis.
- Can be used for encouragement, promises, and setting conditions.
- The subject can come before or after 只要 depending on emphasis.
Chinese parents and teachers frequently use 只要……就…… to motivate students — 只要你努力，就一定能成功 (As long as you work hard, you will definitely succeed). This reflects the cultural belief that effort and diligence are the keys to achievement.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
只要你认真学习，就一定能取得好成绩。
As long as you study earnestly, you will definitely get good grades.
只要你通过这次考试，我就送你一件礼物。
As long as you pass this exam, I will give you a gift.
只要天气好，我们就去爬山。
As long as the weather is good, we will go hiking.
只要有时间，我就去看你。
As long as I have time, I will go visit you.
只要你开心，我就高兴。
As long as you are happy, I am happy.
A warm, caring expression
只要每天练习，中文就会越来越好。
As long as you practice every day, your Chinese will get better and better.
只要不下雨，比赛就照常进行。
As long as it does not rain, the game will go on as planned.
只要你喜欢，就买吧。
As long as you like it, buy it.
Common Mistakes
只要 (condition) always comes FIRST, 就 (result) comes SECOND. They cannot be swapped.
只要 appears only ONCE in the condition clause. The result clause uses 就, not another 只要.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 只要 as setting the "minimum requirement" — it is the ONE thing needed.
Adding 一定 after 就 makes the promise stronger: 只要努力，就一定能成功.
This pattern is great for encouragement — use it to motivate yourself or others.
Compare with 如果: 如果 is neutral ("if"), while 只要 emphasizes sufficiency ("all you need is").
Homework
Write six motivational sentences using 只要……就……. Three should be about studying Chinese, and three should be about life goals. Use 一定 in at least two of them for emphasis.