HSK 3
⋯⋯了⋯⋯（就）⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ liǎo ⋯ ⋯ （ jiù ） ⋯ ⋯
The structure ...了... (就)... expressing an action happening right after another is completed
Explanation
This is the structure ...了...（就）... expressing that the second action happens right after the first action is completed. 了 (le) after the first verb signals that it is "done", while 就 (jiù, right away/immediately) emphasizes the immediate succession.
Subject + verb 1 + 了 (le) + (object) + 就 (jiù) + verb 2. For example 下了课 + 就 + 去图书馆.
when you want to say "as soon as A is finished, do B right away" or "whenever A, then B", e.g. 下了课就去图书馆 (as soon as class ends, go to the library), 喝了酒就脸红 (as soon as one drinks alcohol, the face turns red).
就 (jiù) here emphasizes fast, immediate; if replaced by 才 (cái) it is the opposite, implying slow, not until. This pattern uses 就.
就 must be placed BEFORE the second verb (就去), not before the subject. Don't drop 了 after the first verb — it is 了 that shows action 1 is completed before action 2 follows.
Examples
As soon as he finishes class, he goes straight to the library.
Whenever he drinks alcohol, his face turns red.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “⋯⋯了⋯⋯（就）⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯了⋯⋯（就）⋯⋯” (The structure ...了... (就)... expressing an action happening right after another is completed) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.