HSK 2
关联副词：就
guān lián fù cí ： jiù
The conjunctive adverb: 就
Explanation
This is how to use the adverb (a word that modifies a verb or adjective) '就' (jiù) with a linking function, meaning 'then', used to connect a condition clause with a result clause.
如果 (rúguǒ, if) / ...的话 (de huà, if) + [condition], + Subject + 就 (jiù) + [result]. '就' always stands in the second clause, right BEFORE the verb of the result.
when expressing 'if... then...', indicating that as soon as the condition is met the result immediately follows. '就' makes the sense of 'then right away / then naturally' clearer.
do not confuse '就' (jiù, then right away, emphasizing early/fast/natural) with '才' (cái, only then, emphasizing late/difficult/slow). '如果...就...' is a favorable condition, while '才' is often used when the condition is demanding.
Vietnamese learners often omit '就' because Vietnamese only needs one word 'thì' at the start of the second clause; in Chinese you should keep '就' and place it right before the verb, NOT before the subject (wrong: *就我去*, correct: 我就去).
Examples
If the weather is nice tomorrow, then I will go mountain climbing.
If you have time, then let's go out for a walk together.
Practice
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Learn “关联副词：就” effectively
The grammar point “关联副词：就” (The conjunctive adverb: 就) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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