Sentence PatternsHSK 5

Expressing indifference with 就

Verb + 就 + Verb expresses indifference or a “so be it” attitude. The repeated verb forms a phrase meaning “if/when it happens, it happens,” showing the speaker doesn’t care. Use it only when you want to sound dismissive; it can come off as rude in polite conversation.

Structure

Verb + 就 + Verb

the same verb is repeated for indifference

Examples

坏了就坏了，再买新的。
Huài le jiù huài le, zài mǎi xīn de.
If it's broken, leave it there. We can buy a new one.
走就走，我早就不想干了！
Zǒu jiù zǒu, wǒ zǎo jiù bù xiǎng gàn le!
Sure, I'll leave. I wanted to quit a long time ago!
反对就反对，我不在乎。
Fǎnduì jiù fǎnduì, wǒ bù zàihu.
If they oppose it, let them oppose it. I don't care.
赌就赌，谁怕谁？
Dǔ jiù dǔ, shéi pà shéi?
If you want to take a bet, let's take a bet. You think you scare me?
离婚就离婚，我早就想离了！
Líhūn jiù líhūn, wǒ zǎo jiù xiǎng lí le!
If you want to get a divorce, let's do it. I wanted to do this a long time ago!

Words that use this

就jiù(after a suppositional clause) in that case; then; (after a clause of action) as soon as; immediately after; (same as 是) merely; nothing else but; simply; just; precisely; exactly; only; as little as; as much as; as many as; to approach; to move towards; to undertake; to engage in; (often followed by 着) taking advantage of; (of food) to go with; with regard to; concerning; (pattern: 就 ... 也 ...) even if ... still ...; (pattern: 不 ... 就 ...) if not ... then must be ...