AdverbsHSK 3

Expressing "then" with 就

The adverb 就 can be used to mean "then" or "as a result," linking a preceding situation to an action. Place it before the verb phrase, and make sure the first clause clearly sets up a condition or reason.

Structure

… , 就 + Verb Phrase

The first clause provides a situation, condition, or reason.

Examples

你喜欢喝奶茶，我们就买奶茶吧。
Nǐ xǐhuan hē nǎichá, wǒmen jiù mǎi nǎichá ba.
So you like milk tea. Then we'll buy milk tea.
你最有经验，就听你的吧。
Nǐ zuì yǒu jīngyàn, jiù tīng nǐ de ba.
You have the most experience. We'll just listen to you.
他最近太累了，就生病了。
Tā zuìjìn tài lèi le, jiù shēngbìng le.
He's been too tired recently, and then he got sick.
今天下雨，我们就不出去了。
Jīntiān xiàyǔ, wǒmen jiù bù chūqù le.
It's going to rain today. So let's just not go out.
他妈妈没有给他买书包，他就哭了。
Tā māma méiyǒu gěi tā mǎi shūbāo, tā jiù kū le.
His mom didn't buy him the backpack, and then he just started crying.

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 ...