Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {要是|yàoshi} at the start of a sentence to express a condition, followed by the result.
- Place {要是|yàoshi} before the subject of the condition: {要是|yàoshi}你来，我就去。
- It is mostly used in spoken, casual contexts rather than formal writing.
- You can add {就|jiù} in the second clause to emphasize the result: {要是|yàoshi}下雨，我就不去了。
Overview
The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept is primarily handled through two-part structures that establish a scenario and its logical outcome. While you may encounter the standard, all-purpose conditional word 如果 (rúguǒ), mastering its more common, casual counterpart, 要是 (yàoshi), is essential for achieving fluency in everyday spoken Mandarin.
要是 (yàoshi) is the backbone of informal conditional statements. Think of it as the default way to frame possibilities, plans, and propositions among friends, family, and colleagues in relaxed settings. It carries a conversational, and often slightly more personal, tone than 如果 (rúguǒ).
The core idea of 要是 is rooted in its components: 要 (yào), meaning "to want," and 是 (shì), meaning "to be." Historically, this combination implied a meaning closer to, "if it is that you want..." or "should it be that..." This origin story hints at why 要是 feels so natural in discussions about choices and potential, everyday events. It's less about abstract, formal hypotheticals and more about the real-world conditions that shape our daily decisions. This structure is almost always paired with 就 (jiù) in the second clause to emphasize the resulting consequence.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 要是...就... (yàoshi...jiù...) pattern. We will explore the linguistic logic that underpins its structure, detail its formation and variations, identify common usage scenarios, and clarify frequent points of confusion for learners. The goal is to move beyond a simple "if/then" translation and equip you with a deep, intuitive understanding of how native speakers use this crucial grammatical tool.
How This Grammar Works
要是...就... pattern functions as a cohesive logical unit, creating a cause-and-effect relationship between two clauses. To understand it properly, you must analyze its two key components not as direct translations of "if" and "then," but as functional markers within Chinese sentence structure.要是 (yàoshi)要是, sets the stage. It establishes the scope or precondition under which the second clause becomes true. Think of it as creating a temporary, hypothetical world.要是明天天气很好 (yàoshi míngtiān tiānqì hěn hǎo), you are asking your listener to consider only the scenario where "the weather is good tomorrow." Everything that follows is contingent upon this specific condition being met. 要是 acts as a signal to the listener: "Let's assume the following is true for a moment..."就 (jiù)就 (jiù) is the critical link. Translating 就 as "then" is a functional shortcut, but its core linguistic role is more nuanced.就 indicates that the result follows naturally, immediately, or logically from the condition established in the first clause. It creates a sense of directness and inevitability. Without 就, the connection can feel weaker or less certain.- With
就:要是你累了，我们就回家。(Yàoshi nǐ lèi le, wǒmen jiù huíjiā.) — If you're tired, we'll go home. (The decision to go home is a direct, immediate consequence of you being tired). - Without
就(less common/weaker):要是你累了，我们回家。(Yàoshi nǐ lèi le, wǒmen huíjiā.) — If you're tired, we go home. (This is grammatically possible but feels more like a flat statement. The punchy, logical link is missing).
就 (jiù). In Chinese grammar, adverbs and functional particles like 就 almost always appear after the subject of the clause but before the verb. This is a fundamental rule of Chinese syntax.- Correct:
...，[Subject] + 就 + [Verb Phrase]. - Incorrect:
...，就 + [Subject] + [Verb Phrase].
要是下雨，我就不去了 (Yàoshi xià yǔ, wǒ jiù bù qù le), the subject of the second clause is 我 (wǒ). 就 (jiù) correctly follows 我 and precedes the verb phrase 不去了 (bù qù le). This is perhaps the single most common error for English-speaking learners, who are accustomed to placing "then" at the beginning of the clause.就 modifies the verb and is therefore bound to the subject-adverb-verb order is key to mastering this pattern.Formation Pattern
要是...就... structure is flexible and can be adapted to various situations. The most complete form includes 的话 (dehuà), a common particle that softens the conditional clause. Below are the primary formation patterns, from most complete to most condensed.
要是 + Condition + 的话, Subject + 就 + Result
的话 (dehuà) is often appended to the end of the conditional clause. It doesn't add much meaning but acts as a grammatical suffix that smoothly closes the "if" clause before the result clause begins. Many speakers feel a sentence is more complete with it.
要是 (yàoshi) | 要是... |
你有时间 (nǐ yǒu shíjiān)... |
的话 (dehuà) | ...的话 (dehuà), |
我们 (wǒmen) |
就 (jiù) | 就 |
一起吃饭吧 (yīqǐ chīfàn ba). |
要是你有时间的话，我们就一起吃饭吧。 (Yàoshi nǐ yǒu shíjiān dehuà, wǒmen jiù yīqǐ chīfàn ba.) — If you have time, let's eat together.
要是 + Condition, Subject + 就 + Result
的话 (dehuà).
要是 (yàoshi) | 要是... |
这个周末下雨 (zhège zhōumò xià yǔ), |
我 (wǒ) |
就 (jiù) | 就 |
待在家里看电影 (dāi zài jiālǐ kàn diànyǐng). |
要是这个周末下雨，我就待在家里看电影。 (Yàoshi zhège zhōumò xià yǔ, wǒ jiù dāi zài jiālǐ kàn diànyǐng.) — If it rains this weekend, I'll just stay home and watch movies.
Subject + 要是 + Condition, 就 + Result
你 要是 不喜欢，就 说 出来。 (Nǐ yàoshi bù xǐhuān, jiù shuō chūlái.) — If you don't like it, just say so.
你 (nǐ) is the subject for both "not liking it" and "saying so."
要是 + Condition, 就 + Verb Phrase (Result)
要是觉得不舒服，就多喝热水。 (Yàoshi juéde bù shūfu, jiù duō hē rè shuǐ.) — If you feel unwell, (then) drink more hot water.
你 (nǐ) is omitted before 就, which is standard for imperatives.
要是)
要是 altogether. The structure is held together entirely by the logical flow and the presence of 就.
Condition, Subject + 就 + Result
你来，我就去。 (Nǐ lái, wǒ jiù qù.) — (If) you come, I'll go.
就 is powerful enough to signal the conditional link on its own.
When To Use It
要是 (yàoshi) is your go-to for informal, hypothetical situations in daily life. It thrives in contexts where you are making plans, giving advice, or discussing possibilities that have a reasonable chance of happening.- Making Plans and Arrangements: This is a primary use case. It's perfect for coordinating activities with others based on changing conditions like weather, time, or interest.
要是明天天气好，我们就去爬山吧。(Yàoshi míngtiān tiānqì hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù páshān ba.) — If the weather is good tomorrow, let's go hiking.要是电影票卖完了，我们就去看别的。(Yàoshi diànyǐng piào mài wán le, wǒmen jiù qù kàn bié de.) — If the movie tickets are sold out, we'll just go see something else.
- Giving Advice and Suggestions: The pattern is ideal for offering gentle, conditional advice. The
要是clause sets up a problem, and the就clause provides the suggested solution. 要是你不知道怎么走，就用手机地图查一下。(Yàoshi nǐ bù zhīdào zěnme zǒu, jiù yòng shǒujī dìtú chá yīxià.) — If you don't know the way, just use your phone's map to look it up.要是工作太累了，就休息一会儿。(Yàoshi gōngzuò tài lèi le, jiù xiūxí yīhuǐ'er.) — If you're too tired from work, (you should) take a short break.
- Bargaining and Negotiation: In informal market settings, this pattern is used to state your conditions for a purchase.
要是再便宜一点儿，我就买两个。(Yàoshi zài piányí yīdiǎn'er, wǒ jiù mǎi liǎng ge.) — If it were a little cheaper, I'd buy two.老板，要是这个价钱可以，我现在就付钱。(Lǎobǎn, yàoshi zhège jiàqián kěyǐ, wǒ xiànzài jiù fùqián.) — Boss, if this price is okay, I'll pay right now.
- Stating a Preference or Condition: You can use it to explain your reasoning or the condition under which you'll do something.
要是没有中文字幕，我就看不懂。(Yàoshi méiyǒu Zhōngwén zìmù, wǒ jiù kàn bù dǒng.) — If there aren't Chinese subtitles, then I can't understand it.要是大家都没意见，这个计划就这么定了。(Yàoshi dàjiā dōu méi yìjiàn, zhège jìhuà jiù zhème dìng le.) — If no one has any objections, then the plan is settled.
Common Mistakes
就 (jiù) Before the Subject- ❌ Wrong:
要是你请客，就我也去。(yàoshi nǐ qǐngkè, jiù wǒ yě qù.) - ✅ Right:
要是你请客，我就也去。(Yàoshi nǐ qǐngkè, wǒ jiù yě qù.) — If you're treating, then I'll go too. - Why it's wrong: In Chinese, the adverbial particle
就(jiù) modifies the verb phrase (也去), not the entire clause. Therefore, it must follow standard S+Adv+V word order. It cannot precede the subject我(wǒ).
然后 (ránhòu) Instead of 就 (jiù)- ❌ Wrong:
要是考试结束了，我然后去旅行。(yàoshi kǎoshì jiéshù le, wǒ ránhòu qù lǚxíng.) - ✅ Right:
要是考试结束了，我就去旅行。(Yàoshi kǎoshì jiéshù le, wǒ jiù qù lǚxíng.) — Once the exams are over, I'll go traveling. - Why it's wrong:
然后(ránhòu) means "and then" or "afterwards." It describes a sequence of events in time (First A happens, then B happens).就(jiù) describes a logical consequence (Because of A, B happens). Going traveling isn't just the next thing you do; it's a result made possible by the exams finishing.
要是 (yàoshi) in Formal Contexts要是 in a formal essay, business proposal, or scientific paper can sound unprofessional or overly casual.- ❌ Informal in a Formal Context:
要是数据分析准确，我们的结论就是可靠的。(Yàoshi shùjù fēnxī zhǔnquè, wǒmen de jiélùn jiù shì kěkào de.) - ✅ Correctly Formal:
如果数据分析准确，那么我们的结论就是可靠的。(Rúguǒ shùjù fēnxī zhǔnquè, nàme wǒmen de jiélùn jiùshì kěkào de.) — If the data analysis is accurate, then our conclusion is reliable. - Why it's wrong: It's a matter of register.
要是is to如果(rúguǒ) as "if" is to "should it be the case that." While grammatically sound, it signals a casualness that undermines a formal tone. For formal writing, always prefer如果(rúguǒ), sometimes paired with那么(nàme) instead of就(jiù) for an even more deliberate, formal connection.
是 (shì) and 要是 (yàoshi)是 alone can mean "if."- ❌ Wrong:
是你来，我去。(shì nǐ lái, wǒ qù.) - ✅ Right:
要是你来，我就去。(Yàoshi nǐ lái, wǒ jiù qù.) — If you come, I'll go. - Why it's wrong:
是(shì) means "to be" (is, am, are). It cannot function as a conditional word by itself. The conditional meaning comes from the specific compound要是(or如果).
Real Conversations
To truly internalize 要是, observe how it appears in natural, everyday communication. Notice the use of 的话 (dehuà), dropped subjects, and other informal features.
Scenario 1
A
这个周末有什么打算？(Zhège zhōumò yǒu shé me dǎsuàn?)
Any plans this weekend?
B
还没想好。要是天气不错的话，我就可能去公园走走。你呢？(Hái méi xiǎng hǎo. Yàoshi tiānqì bùcuò dehuà, wǒ jiù kěnéng qù gōngyuán zǒu zǒu. Nǐ ne?)
Haven't decided yet. If the weather's nice, I'll probably just go for a walk in the park. You?
Scenario 2
A
晚上想吃什么？(Wǎnshàng xiǎng chī shénme?)
What do you want to eat tonight?
B
都行。附近新开了一家火锅店，要是不贵，咱就去试试？(Dōu xíng. Fùjìn xīn kāi le yījiā huǒguō diàn, yàoshi bù guì, zán jiù qù shì shi?)
Anything's fine. A new hotpot place opened nearby. If it's not expensive, we could just go try it?
Scenario 3
A
这个报告好难写啊，我没什么思路。(Zhège bàogào hǎo nán xiě a, wǒ méishénme sīlù.)
This report is so hard to write, I have no ideas.
B
要是你没思路，就先看看别人是怎么写的，找点灵感。(Yàoshi nǐ méi sīlù, jiù xiān kàn kan biérén shì zěnme xiě de, zhǎo diǎn línggǎn.)
If you have no ideas, just first take a look at how others wrote theirs and find some inspiration.
Scenario 4
要是)A
你去不去？(Nǐ qù bù qù?)
Are you going or not?
B
你去我就去。(Nǐ qù wǒ jiù qù.)
(If) you go, I'll go.
Quick FAQ
要是 (yàoshi) and 如果 (rúguǒ) interchangeably?In many casual spoken contexts, yes. However, there is a difference in tone. 要是 is distinctly more informal and conversational. 如果 is a neutral, all-purpose word that is safe to use in any context, spoken or written. When in doubt, 如果 is the safer choice. For formal writing or speeches, you should always use 如果.
就 (jiù) with 要是 (yàoshi)?It is very strongly recommended. While native speakers might occasionally drop 就 in very rapid speech, the sentence can feel incomplete or disjointed without it. 就 is the glue that provides the logical punch. As a learner, you should make it a habit to always include 就 in a conditional sentence until you have a very advanced feel for the language's rhythm.
的话 (dehuà) after 如果 (rúguǒ) too?Yes, absolutely. The pattern 如果...的话 (rúguǒ...dehuà) is just as common as 要是...的话 (yàoshi...dehuà). It functions in exactly the same way: to soften and demarcate the conditional clause in spoken language. For example: 如果明天天气好的话，我们就去公园。 (Rúguǒ míngtiān tiānqì hǎo dehuà, wǒmen jiù qù gōngyuán.)
假如 (jiǎrú) or 万一 (wànyī)?They serve different purposes. Here's a quick comparison:
要是 (yàoshi) | Casual & Spoken: For everyday, realistic possibilities. "If it rains..." |如果 (rúguǒ) | Neutral & Universal: The standard "if." Works in any context, spoken or written. |假如 (jiǎrú) | Hypothetical & Suppositional: Often for situations that are contrary to fact or purely imaginary. "What if..." or "Supposing that..." (假如我中了彩票... - Jiǎrú wǒ zhòngle cèpiào... "If I won the lottery...") |万一 (wànyī) | Precautionary & Negative: For unlikely but possible negative outcomes. Implies "just in case" or "what if by some small chance (something bad happens)..." (带上雨伞吧，万一下雨了呢？ - Dài shàng yǔsǎn ba, wànyī xià yǔle ne? "Bring an umbrella, what if it rains?") |Basic {要是|yàoshi} Structure
| Part 1 (Condition) | Connector | Part 2 (Result) |
|---|---|---|
|
{要是|yàoshi}你来
|
就
|
我很高兴
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}他不吃
|
就
|
别给他
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}明天晴天
|
就
|
去爬山
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}你没钱
|
就
|
告诉我
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}你想学
|
就
|
找老师
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}太晚了
|
就
|
别去了
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Shortened / Spoken |
|---|---|
|
{要是|yàoshi}的话
|
要是...
|
|
{要是|yàoshi}你来
|
你来的话
|
Meanings
A conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical condition or a potential future event.
Hypothetical condition
Introducing a condition that might happen.
“{要是|yàoshi}你没空，我就自己去。”
“{要是|yàoshi}你想学，我可以教你。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + V
|
{要是|yàoshi}你喜欢，就买。
|
|
Negative
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + 不 + V
|
{要是|yàoshi}你不去，我就不去。
|
|
Question
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + V + 吗?
|
{要是|yàoshi}你累了吗？
|
|
Result Emphasis
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + V, S + 就 + V
|
{要是|yàoshi}下雨，我就在家。
|
|
Hypothetical
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + V + 了
|
{要是|yàoshi}你早说了，就好了。
|
|
Suggestion
|
{要是|yàoshi} + S + V + 吧
|
{要是|yàoshi}你累了，就休息吧。
|
Formality Spectrum
如果阁下有空，我们一起用餐。 (Making plans)
如果你有空，我们一起吃饭吧。 (Making plans)
要是你有空，咱们一起吃饭吧。 (Making plans)
要是你有空，咱去整点儿。 (Making plans)
The {要是|yàoshi} Logic
Function
- Condition Hypothesis
Register
- Spoken Casual
Examples by Level
{要是|yàoshi}你饿，就吃。
If you are hungry, eat.
{要是|yàoshi}下雨，我就在家。
If it rains, I will stay home.
{要是|yàoshi}你来，我就去。
If you come, I will go.
{要是|yàoshi}你想，就学。
If you want, study.
{要是|yàoshi}明天有时间，我们去看电影吧。
If we have time tomorrow, let's go see a movie.
{要是|yàoshi}你不喜欢这件衣服，就换一件。
If you don't like this shirt, change it.
{要是|yàoshi}他不知道，你就告诉他。
If he doesn't know, you tell him.
{要是|yàoshi}太贵了，我就不买了。
If it's too expensive, I won't buy it.
{要是|yàoshi}你早点告诉我，我就能帮你。
If you had told me earlier, I could have helped you.
{要是|yàoshi}没有你的帮助，我真的不知道该怎么办。
If it weren't for your help, I really wouldn't know what to do.
{要是|yàoshi}你真的想去，我可以陪你。
If you really want to go, I can accompany you.
{要是|yàoshi}事情这么简单，大家早就做了。
If things were that simple, everyone would have done it already.
{要是|yàoshi}当时我听了你的建议，就不会有这些麻烦了。
If I had listened to your advice back then, I wouldn't have these troubles.
{要是|yàoshi}你觉得不舒服，就请假休息一下。
If you feel unwell, please take a leave and rest.
{要是|yàoshi}能再选一次，我还是会选择这条路。
If I could choose again, I would still choose this path.
{要是|yàoshi}你没收到我的邮件，请再发一次。
If you didn't receive my email, please send it again.
{要是|yàoshi}真如你所说，那这事儿可就复杂了。
If it is really as you say, then this matter is complicated.
{要是|yàoshi}他能早点意识到这个问题，就不会走到今天这一步。
If he had realized this problem earlier, he wouldn't have ended up here.
{要是|yàoshi}这世界上真有后悔药，我一定买。
If there really were a regret pill in this world, I would definitely buy it.
{要是|yàoshi}你非要这么做，我也没办法。
If you insist on doing it this way, there's nothing I can do.
{要是|yàoshi}放在以前，我肯定会生气，但现在我不在乎了。
If this were in the past, I would definitely be angry, but now I don't care.
{要是|yàoshi}你连这点小事都处理不好，怎么能胜任更重要的工作？
If you can't even handle this small matter, how can you be qualified for more important work?
{要是|yàoshi}没有那次偶然的相遇，我们可能永远不会认识。
If it weren't for that accidental meeting, we might never have known each other.
{要是|yàoshi}你觉得有必要，我们可以再讨论一下细节。
If you feel it's necessary, we can discuss the details again.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'if'.
Both used for conditions.
Often confused with {才|cái}.
Common Mistakes
要是你来，我来。
要是你来，我就来。
你要是来，我就来。
要是你来，我就来。
要是下雨，我不去。
要是下雨，我就不去。
要是你来吗，我就去。
要是你来，我就去。
如果(formal)你来，我就去。
要是你来，我就去。
要是你来，我就去吗？
要是你来，我就去吗？(Wait, this is a question, use different structure)
要是你来，我就会去。
要是你来，我就去。
要是你早说，我就帮了。
要是你早说，我就帮你了。
要是你来，我才去。
要是你来，我就去。
要是你来，我就会去。
要是你来，我就去。
要是你来，我也来。
要是你来，我就来。
要是你来，我才去。
要是你来，我就去。
要是你来，我就会去。
要是你来，我就去。
Sentence Patterns
{要是|yàoshi} ___，我就___。
{要是|yàoshi} ___，我就不___。
{要是|yàoshi} ___，你___吗？
{要是|yàoshi} ___，我早就___了。
Real World Usage
{要是|yàoshi}你有空，出来喝咖啡？
{要是|yàoshi}你也喜欢这个，点个赞！
{要是|yàoshi}没筷子，请备注。
{要是|yàoshi}找不到路，就问人。
N/A
{要是|yàoshi}太辣，我就不吃了。
Use {就|jiù}
Avoid in formal writing
Add {的话|dehuà}
Keep it friendly
Smart Tips
Always pair {要是|yàoshi} with {就|jiù}.
Switch to {如果|rúguǒ}.
Add {的话|dehuà} at the end of the condition.
Use {要是|yàoshi} + past context.
Pronunciation
Tone
yào (4th) shì (4th). Both are falling tones.
Conditional
要是... (rise) ... 就... (fall)
Sets up the condition and then the result.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Yao-Shi sounds like 'You-Sure'. If you are sure, you use 'if'!
Visual Association
Imagine a fork in the road. One path is 'If', the other is 'Then'. The signpost says {要是|yàoshi}.
Rhyme
If you want to say 'if' with ease, just use the word {要是|yàoshi} please.
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to go out. He looked at the sky. He said, '{要是|yàoshi}下雨，我就带伞。' He grabbed his umbrella and felt prepared for anything.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using {要是|yàoshi} about your plans for this weekend.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily speech between friends.
Similar usage, but {如果|rúguǒ} is slightly more common in general speech.
They often use {如果|rúguǒ} or {要是|yàoshi} interchangeably.
Derived from the verb {要|yào} (want) and {是|shì} (is).
Conversation Starters
{要是|yàoshi}明天放假，你想做什么？
{要是|yàoshi}你有一百万，你会买什么？
{要是|yàoshi}你可以去任何国家，你会去哪？
{要是|yàoshi}你回到十年前，你会改变什么？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
{要是|yàoshi}你来，___我就去。
Which is more casual?
Find and fix the mistake:
要是你来，我来。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If you are hungry, eat.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
{要是|yàoshi} is formal.
A: 你去吗？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises{要是|yàoshi}你来，___我就去。
Which is more casual?
Find and fix the mistake:
要是你来，我来。
就 / 你 / 要是 / 来 / 我 / 去
If you are hungry, eat.
要是下雨...
{要是|yàoshi} is formal.
A: 你去吗？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises要是你累了，___ 去休息吧。
Arrange: [我就] [要是] [不买] [贵] [太]
Which word is the most casual/spoken version of 'if'?
If you don't go...
Match parts
要是你想去，就我们去。
要是他不来，我___不高兴。
Which sounds most natural for 'If you are busy, I'll go alone'?
Order: [就] [告诉] [要是] [我知道] [你]
Translate the sentence.
___方便的话，给我打个电话。
Match definitions
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Only if it's a very casual email to a friend. For work, use {如果|rúguǒ}.
Not strictly, but it sounds much more natural with it.
Yes, it is the direct casual equivalent.
Usually because you missed the {就|jiù} or used it in a formal setting.
Yes, but you need to add context markers like {了|le}.
No, it is a conjunction.
Add {不|bù} before the verb in the condition.
Yes, {如果|rúguǒ}, {假使|jiǎshǐ}, etc.
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si
Chinese has a formal/informal split.
Si
Chinese requires a result particle {就|jiù}.
Wenn
German verb placement is strict.
もし
Japanese is SOV, Chinese is SVO.
إذا
Arabic has complex verb conjugation.
{如果|rúguǒ}
Register is the only difference.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
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Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)
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