If… Then… (要是…就…)
要是……，就……
Express hypothetical conditions and their results using the 要是……就…… pattern
This pattern creates a conditional sentence: "if [condition], then [result]." 要是 introduces the condition and 就 introduces the result or consequence.
要是 is interchangeable with 如果 (more formal). 就 in the result clause is optional but very common and makes the sentence flow better. The condition clause typically comes first, but can occasionally follow.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: If… Then… (要是…就…) (要是……，就……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 要是……，就…… pattern
New here?
Understanding 要是……，就……
The 要是……就…… pattern is one of the most essential conditional structures in Chinese. It works just like "if… then…" in English. 要是 introduces the hypothetical condition — something that may or may not be true — and 就 introduces what would happen as a result. For example, 要是下雨，我就不去了 — "If it rains, I will not go." This pattern is used constantly in daily conversation for making plans, giving advice, expressing wishes, and discussing possibilities. 要是 has a casual, spoken feel — its more formal cousin is 如果. The result clause with 就 can express actions, suggestions, or even commands. Understanding this pattern opens the door to expressing all kinds of hypothetical thinking in Chinese.
Key Points
- 要是 introduces the condition; 就 introduces the result.
- 要是 is colloquial; 如果 is more formal. Both mean "if."
- 就 is optional but highly recommended — it smooths the transition to the result.
- Condition clause usually comes first: 要是 A，就 B.
- Can express future possibilities, advice, wishes, or hypothetical situations.
- The subjects in both clauses can be the same or different.
Chinese speakers frequently use conditional sentences to make polite suggestions: 要是你有时间，就来我家坐坐吧 — "If you have time, come sit at my place." This softens the invitation, giving the listener a face-saving way to decline if needed.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
要是不开心，我就会大声唱歌。
If I am not happy, I will sing out loud.
要是你明天有时间，就跟我一起去长城吧。
If you have time tomorrow, come with me to the Great Wall.
要是下雨，我们就不去爬山了。
If it rains, we will not go hiking.
要是你不舒服，就在家休息吧。
If you are not feeling well, just rest at home.
要是能回到过去，我就会更努力学习。
If I could go back to the past, I would study harder.
要是你喜欢这本书，就送给你吧。
If you like this book, I will give it to you.
要是觉得太难，就先做简单的。
If you find it too hard, do the easy ones first.
要是我是你，我就马上去道歉。
If I were you, I would go apologize right away.
Common Mistakes
While technically possible, the standard order is condition first (要是), result second (就). Reversing sounds unnatural in most cases.
Do not repeat 要是 in the result clause. Use 就 for the result.
Add a comma between the condition and result clauses, and include the subject before 就 for clarity.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 要是 with friends and 如果 in writing or formal speech — they are interchangeable in meaning.
Always put the 要是 clause first for natural sentence flow.
The 就 is technically optional but almost always used — include it to sound natural.
Practice making plans: 要是天气好，就…… / 要是有时间，就…… — conditional planning is a daily skill.
Homework
Write eight conditional sentences using 要是……就……. Include: two about weather plans, two giving advice, two expressing wishes or hypotheticals (要是我是……), and two about daily decisions. Use 如果 instead of 要是 for at least two sentences to practice both forms.