If... Then... (Ruguo... Jiu...)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {如果|rúguǒ} (if) to set a condition and {就|jiù} (then) to show the result immediately following it.
- Place {如果|rúguǒ} at the start of the condition clause: {如果|rúguǒ}下雨，我就不去。
- Place {就|jiù} before the verb in the result clause: {如果|rúguǒ}你饿了，{就|jiù}吃吧。
- The subject can go before or after {如果|rúguǒ} depending on emphasis.
Overview
The ability to express conditions and their consequences is fundamental in any language. In Chinese, the 如果 (rúguǒ)...就 (jiù)... pattern serves this vital function, allowing you to articulate "If... then..." scenarios.
For A2 learners, mastering this structure significantly enhances your capacity to form more complex and nuanced sentences, moving beyond simple statements to logical connections between ideas. It is not merely a syntactic rule; it represents a core cognitive framework for expressing causality and possibility in Chinese thought.
This grammatical pattern is omnipresent in daily communication, from making plans and expressing desires to stating general truths or providing advice. Understanding 如果...就... unlocks a deeper level of conversational fluency and comprehension. It clarifies relationships between events, actions, and outcomes, making your speech and writing more precise and engaging.
This structure helps you explain the why behind potential whats, transforming fragmented thoughts into coherent propositions.
How This Grammar Works
如果 (rúguǒ)...就 (jiù)... construction functions as a conditional statement, with 如果 introducing the condition (the protasis) and 就 signaling the consequence or result (the apodosis). While 如果 explicitly means "if" or "in case," 就 in this context acts as an adverb that emphasizes the direct, immediate, or logical outcome of the stated condition. It signifies that the second clause follows inevitably or promptly from the first.就 in most 如果 constructions is a prime example. It serves as a necessary link, creating a strong connective tissue between the conditional and consequential clauses.就 can make the sentence sound disjointed or incomplete, as if the logical bridge between the two parts is missing. The adverbial nature of 就 means it modifies the verb or predicate phrase that follows it, reinforcing the immediacy or certainty of the action.如果introduces the premise or hypothetical situation.就connects this premise to its direct result, often implying a sense of immediacy or inevitability. It is frequently translated as "then" but carries a stronger sense of logical consequence than its English counterpart.
如果 (rúguǒ) 明天 (míngtiān) 下雨 (xiàyǔ)，我们 (wǒmen) 就 (jiù) 不 (bù) 去 (qù) 公园 (gōngyuán)。下雨) directly causes the decision not to go to the park (不去公园). The 就 clarifies this direct linkage.Formation Pattern
如果...就... is straightforward, yet precise placement of 就 is critical. The conditional clause, introduced by 如果, precedes the consequence clause, which contains 就.
如果 (rúguǒ) + [Condition Clause]，[Subject (optional)] + 就 (jiù) + [Consequence/Result Clause].
如果 (rúguǒ): This word typically begins the conditional clause. Alternatively, the subject of the conditional clause can precede 如果 for emphasis, e.g., 你 (nǐ) 如果 (rúguǒ)....
他 (tā) 有 (yǒu) 时间 (shíjiān) (he has time).
的话 (dehuà): You can append 的话 to the end of the conditional clause. This particle softens the tone, makes the sentence more colloquial, and adds a slight emphasis on the "if" aspect. It is very common in spoken Chinese. Example: 如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 来 (lái) 的话 (dehuà)，....
就 (jiù): This is the most crucial step. 就 must be placed immediately before the verb or main predicate of the consequence clause. It never precedes the subject of the consequence clause.
如果 (rúguǒ) + Subject + Predicate | 如果 (rúguǒ) 我 (wǒ) 不 (bù) 忙 (máng) (If I am not busy) |
Subject + 如果 (rúguǒ) + Predicate | 你 (nǐ) 如果 (rúguǒ) 有 (yǒu) 空 (kòng) (If you are free) |
的话) | 如果 (rúguǒ) + Clause + 的话 (dehuà) | 如果 (rúguǒ) 他 (tā) 来 (lái) 的话 (dehuà) (If he comes) |
(Subject) + 就 (jiù) + Predicate | 我 (wǒ) 就 (jiù) 帮 (bāng) 你 (nǐ) (I will help you) |
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 想 (xiǎng) 学 (xué) 中文 (zhōngwén)，就 (jiù) 要 (yào) 每天 (měitiān) 练习 (liànxí)。 (If you want to learn Chinese, you must practice every day.)
他 (tā) 如果 (rúguǒ) 不 (bù) 吃 (chī) 饭 (fàn)，就 (jiù) 会 (huì) 饿 (è)。 (If he doesn't eat, he will be hungry.)
When To Use It
如果...就... pattern is highly versatile and applies to various conditional situations. Its primary function is to establish a logical link between an event or state and its direct outcome. Mastery of its usage allows for precise expression in diverse contexts, from everyday planning to articulating universal truths.- 1Hypothetical Situations and Future Plans: This is the most common application, discussing what will happen if a certain condition is met.
如果 (rúguǒ) 明天 (míngtiān) 天气 (tiānqì) 好 (hǎo)，我们 (wǒmen) 就 (jiù) 去 (qù) 爬山 (páshān)。(If the weather is good tomorrow, we will go hiking.)如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 有 (yǒu) 疑问 (yíwèn)，就 (jiù) 可以 (kěyǐ) 问 (wèn) 老师 (lǎoshī)。(If you have questions, you can ask the teacher.)
- 1General Truths and Scientific Principles: When one event consistently leads to another,
如果...就...can express a universal or habitual connection.
如果 (rúguǒ) 水 (shuǐ) 到 (dào) 零 (líng) 度 (dù)，它 (tā) 就 (jiù) 会 (huì) 结冰 (jiébīng)。(If water reaches zero degrees, it will freeze.)如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 努力 (nǔlì) 学习 (xuéxí)，你 (nǐ) 的 (de) 中文 (zhōngwén) 就 (jiù) 会 (huì) 进步 (jìnbù)。(If you study hard, your Chinese will improve.)
- 1Making Suggestions or Giving Advice: It frames recommendations as logical consequences of a particular action or need.
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 累 (lèi) 了 (le)，就 (jiù) 去 (qù) 休息 (xiūxí) 一下 (yíxià)。(If you are tired, then go rest a bit.)如果 (rúguǒ) 手机 (shǒujī) 没 (méi) 电 (diàn) 了 (le)，就 (jiù) 赶紧 (gǎnjǐn) 充电 (chōngdiàn)。(If your phone is out of battery, then quickly charge it.)
- 1Expressing Intentions or Decisions: It can clarify the basis for a personal choice or action.
如果 (rúguǒ) 有 (yǒu) 折扣 (zhékòu)，我 (wǒ) 就 (jiù) 买 (mǎi) 那件 (nà jiàn) 衣服 (yīfú)。(If there's a discount, I'll buy that piece of clothing.)
不 (bù) or 没 (méi).如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 不 (bù) 来 (lái)，我 (wǒ) 也 (yě) 不 (bù) 去 (qù) 了 (le)。(If you don't come, I won't go either.)
Common Mistakes
如果...就... construction is a frequent source of errors for A2 learners due to subtle differences from English conditional structures and the multiple functions of 就 in Chinese. Recognizing and correcting these patterns of error is key to developing accurate usage.- 1Omitting
就 (jiù): This is arguably the most common mistake. Learners, influenced by English where "then" is often optional, tend to drop就. In Chinese,就is rarely optional in this structure, especially at the A2 level where explicit logical connections are expected. Its absence makes the sentence sound incomplete or less coherent.
- ✗
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 有 (yǒu) 空 (kòng)，我们 (wǒmen) 去 (qù) 看 (kàn) 电影 (diànyǐng)。 - ✓
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 有 (yǒu) 空 (kòng)，我们 (wǒmen) 就 (jiù) 去 (qù) 看 (kàn) 电影 (diànyǐng)。(If you are free, we will go watch a movie.)
- 1Incorrect Placement of
就 (jiù):就is an adverb and must precede the verb or predicate in the consequence clause. Placing it before the subject of the second clause is a common error.
- ✗
如果 (rúguǒ) 他 (tā) 来 (lái)，就 (jiù) 我 (wǒ) 走 (zǒu)。 - ✓
如果 (rúguǒ) 他 (tā) 来 (lái)，我 (wǒ) 就 (jiù) 走 (zǒu)。(If he comes, I will leave.)
就 modifies the action, not the actor.- 1Confusing
就 (jiù)with然后 (ránhòu): Both can be translated as "then," but their functions are distinct.就indicates a direct, logical consequence or an immediate action following a condition.然后signifies a sequential order of events, meaning "after that" or "next."
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 吃 (chī) 完 (wán) 饭 (fàn)，就 (jiù) 可以 (kěyǐ) 玩 (wán) 游戏 (yóuxì)。(If you finish eating, then you can play games.) -就indicates permission as a direct result.你 (nǐ) 吃 (chī) 完 (wán) 饭 (fàn)，然后 (ránhòu) 玩 (wán) 游戏 (yóuxì)。(You finish eating, then play games.) -然后describes the next step in a sequence.
- 1Overuse of
如果 (rúguǒ): While如果is correct, in casual spoken Chinese, the如果can often be omitted if the conditional nature is clear from context or if的话 (dehuà)is used alone.
没 (méi) 时间 (shíjiān) 的话 (dehuà)，就 (jiù) 不 (bù) 要 (yào) 去 (qù) 了 (le)。(If there's no time, then don't go.) - Here,如果is understood.
- 1Using
就 (jiù)for past counterfactuals: The如果...就...structure is primarily for future hypotheticals, general truths, or logical deductions in the present. It is generally not used for expressing regrets or hypothetical situations in the past (e.g., "If I had known..."). More advanced structures like要是 (yàoshi) ... 就 (jiù) 好 (hǎo) 了 (le)or phrases involving早知道 (zǎo zhīdào)are used for past counterfactuals.
Real Conversations
Understanding how 如果...就... appears in textbook examples is one thing; recognizing its dynamic use in authentic Chinese communication is another. Native speakers often employ variations and contextual cues that streamline the structure, especially in informal settings like social media, messaging, and casual dialogue.
Omission of 如果 (rúguǒ): In casual speech and texting, 如果 is frequently dropped when the conditional nature is evident from the context or implied by 的话 (dehuà). This makes the conversation flow more naturally and quickly.
- Text Message: 有 (yǒu) 空 (kòng) 的话 (dehuà)，就 (jiù) 来 (lái) 找 (zhǎo) 我 (wǒ)。 (If you're free, come find me.) - Implied 如果.
- Casual Chat: 太 (tài) 贵 (guì) 了 (le) 就 (jiù) 不 (bù) 买 (mǎi) 了 (le)。 (If it's too expensive, I won't buy it.) - Implied 如果.
Concise Expressions with 就 (jiù): Sometimes, the condition can be a very short phrase or even a single word, with 就 immediately following to convey a quick consequence or instruction.
- Customer Service Chat: 有 (yǒu) 问题 (wèntí) 就 (jiù) 问 (wèn) 客服 (kèfú)。 (If there are problems, just ask customer service.)
- Parent to Child: 饿 (è) 了 (le) 就 (jiù) 吃 (chī)。 (If you're hungry, then eat.)
Social Media Engagement
- Video Caption: 如果 (rúguǒ) 喜欢 (xǐhuan) 这个 (zhège) 视频 (shìpín)，就 (jiù) 给 (gěi) 我 (wǒ) 点赞 (diǎnzàn) 吧 (ba)! (If you like this video, then give me a thumbs up!) - Standard usage.
Work and Study Contexts
- Email to Team: 如果 (rúguǒ) 资料 (zīliào) 不 (bù) 齐全 (qíquán)，请 (qǐng) 及时 (jíshí) 告知 (gàozhī)。 (If the materials are incomplete, please inform us promptly.) - Here, 就 is often omitted in formal writing when the consequence is a polite request or instruction, as the imperative nature implies the consequence.
These examples illustrate that while the core pattern is important, flexibility and context play a significant role in how 如果...就... manifests in real-world communication. Recognizing these variations will help you understand and use the structure more naturally.
Quick FAQ
如果...就... pattern, clarifying nuances and contrasting it with related structures.如果 (rúguǒ) always necessary?No, in spoken Chinese, especially when the context is clear or when 的话 (dehuà) is present, 如果 can often be omitted. The sentence remains grammatically sound and natural, particularly in informal settings.
你 (nǐ) 不 (bù) 来 (lái) 的话 (dehuà)，我 (wǒ) 就 (jiù) 不 (bù) 去 (qù) 了 (le)。(If you don't come, I won't go.)
如果 (rúguǒ) and 要是 (yàoshi)?如果 and 要是 are largely interchangeable for expressing conditions. 如果 is generally considered slightly more formal and is common in both written and spoken language. 要是 is more colloquial and frequently used in everyday conversation. Both can be used with 就.
如果 (rúguǒ) | 要是 (yàoshi) |就 | Works with 就 |那么 (nàme) replace 就 (jiù)?In some conditional contexts, 那么 can also mean "then" and introduce a consequence. However, 就 typically denotes a direct, immediate, or necessary outcome. 那么 can introduce a broader logical deduction or a suggestion that follows from the condition, and its connection can be less immediate than that implied by 就. Using 就 is generally safer and more common for direct conditionals at this level.
如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 不 (bù) 想 (xiǎng) 去 (qù)，那么 (nàme) 我 (wǒ) 们 (men) 可以 (kěyǐ) 换 (huàn) 个 (gè) 地方 (dìfāng)。(If you don't want to go, then we can change places.) -那么here offers an alternative.
如果...就... differ from 只要...就... and 只有...才...?These are all conditional structures but express different types of conditions:
如果 (rúguǒ)...就 (jiù)...(If... then...): States a general condition and its direct consequence. The condition is one possibility among others.如果 (rúguǒ) 你 (nǐ) 努力 (nǔlì)，就 (jiù) 会 (huì) 成功 (chénggōng)。(If you work hard, you will succeed.)只要 (zhǐyào)...就 (jiù)...(As long as... then...): Expresses a sufficient condition. It means that the consequence will definitely occur as long as the condition is met, implying minimal requirement. The condition is enough.只要 (zhǐyào) 你 (nǐ) 努力 (nǔlì)，就 (jiù) 会 (huì) 成功 (chénggōng)。(As long as you work hard, you will succeed.) - Implies effort is the key, nothing else needed.只有 (zhǐyǒu)...才 (cái)...(Only if... then...): Expresses a necessary condition. It implies that the consequence will only occur if and only if the specific condition is met. The condition is the sole prerequisite.只有 (zhǐyǒu) 你 (nǐ) 努力 (nǔlì)，才 (cái) 会 (huì) 成功 (chénggōng)。(Only if you work hard, will you succeed.) - Implies hard work is the only way.
就 (jiù) be used in the first part of the sentence?No, 就 exclusively belongs to the consequence clause and must follow the subject (if present) and precede the verb or predicate in that clause. It acts as an adverb modifying the action of the result.
如果...就... primarily deals with present general truths or future hypotheticals. For past counterfactuals (e.g., "If I had known, I would have..."), more advanced structures are used. A common phrase is 早知道 (zǎo zhīdào) ... 就 (jiù) 好 (hǎo) 了 (le) (If only I had known... it would have been good).
早知道 (zǎo zhīdào) 你 (nǐ) 来 (lái)，我 (wǒ) 就 (jiù) 不 (bù) 走 (zǒu) 了 (le)。(If only I had known you were coming, I wouldn't have left.)
Conditional Structure Table
| Part | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Condition
|
如果 + Subject + Verb
|
如果 你 饿
|
|
Result
|
就 + Verb + Object
|
就 吃 饭
|
Common Variations
| Variation | Usage |
|---|---|
|
要是...就
|
Informal/Spoken
|
|
若...则
|
Formal/Literary
|
Meanings
This structure establishes a hypothetical or real condition and its immediate consequence.
Hypothetical Condition
Used for events that might happen in the future.
“{如果|rúguǒ}你有时间，{就|jiù}给我打电话。”
“{如果|rúguǒ}他不来，我们{就|jiù}先走。”
Logical Consequence
Used to express a natural result of a state.
“{如果|rúguǒ}太累了，{就|jiù}休息一下。”
“{如果|rúguǒ}不明白，{就|jiù}问老师。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
如果+A+就+B
|
如果下雨，就带伞。
|
|
Negative
|
如果+A+不+就+B
|
如果不饿，就别吃。
|
|
Question
|
如果+A+就+B吗？
|
如果他不去，你就一个人去吗？
|
|
Advice
|
如果+A+就+建议
|
如果累了，就休息一下。
|
|
Future
|
如果+A+就+未来
|
如果明天有空，我就去。
|
|
Past
|
如果+A+就+过去
|
如果早知道，我就不来了。
|
Formality Spectrum
如果感到饥饿，请用餐。 (Dining)
如果饿了，就吃饭。 (Dining)
饿了就吃呗。 (Dining)
饿了就整点儿。 (Dining)
Conditional Logic Map
Condition
- 如果 If
Result
- 就 Then
Examples by Level
{如果|rúguǒ}你饿，{就|jiù}吃。
If you are hungry, eat.
{如果|rúguǒ}累，{就|jiù}休息。
If tired, rest.
{如果|rúguǒ}下雨，{就|jiù}不去。
If it rains, don't go.
{如果|rúguǒ}喜欢，{就|jiù}买。
If you like it, buy it.
{如果|rúguǒ}明天有时间，我就去图书馆。
If I have time tomorrow, I will go to the library.
{如果|rúguǒ}你不明白，就问我。
If you don't understand, ask me.
{如果|rúguǒ}他没来，我们就先开始。
If he doesn't come, we will start first.
{如果|rúguǒ}太贵，我就不买了。
If it's too expensive, I won't buy it.
{如果|rúguǒ}你能在周五前完成，那就太好了。
If you can finish by Friday, that would be great.
{如果|rúguǒ}你想提高中文，就得多练习听力。
If you want to improve your Chinese, you must practice listening more.
{如果|rúguǒ}没有你的帮助，我可能做不到。
If it weren't for your help, I probably couldn't do it.
{如果|rúguǒ}天气预报说有台风，我们最好取消行程。
If the weather forecast says there's a typhoon, we'd better cancel the trip.
{如果|rúguǒ}公司能够提供更好的福利，员工的流失率就会降低。
If the company can provide better benefits, the employee turnover rate will decrease.
{如果|rúguǒ}我们不采取行动，环境问题将会变得更加严重。
If we don't take action, environmental problems will become more serious.
{如果|rúguǒ}你坚持自己的观点，就必须拿出证据来。
If you insist on your point of view, you must provide evidence.
{如果|rúguǒ}项目进展顺利，我们下个月就能完成。
If the project goes smoothly, we can finish next month.
{如果|rúguǒ}非要我选一个，我宁愿选择后者。
If I must choose one, I would rather choose the latter.
{如果|rúguǒ}考虑到各种因素，这个决定是合理的。
If one considers all factors, this decision is reasonable.
{如果|rúguǒ}没有当初的坚持，就不会有今天的成就。
If not for the persistence back then, there wouldn't be today's achievements.
{如果|rúguǒ}局势继续恶化，我们将不得不采取紧急措施。
If the situation continues to deteriorate, we will have to take emergency measures.
{如果|rúguǒ}说人生是一场戏，那么每个人都是主角。
If life is a play, then everyone is the protagonist.
{如果|rúguǒ}能重来一次，我或许会做出不同的选择。
If I could do it all over again, perhaps I would make a different choice.
{如果|rúguǒ}不深入了解文化背景，就很难真正掌握一门语言。
If one doesn't deeply understand the cultural background, it's hard to truly master a language.
{如果|rúguǒ}以史为鉴，我们便能避免重蹈覆辙。
If we take history as a mirror, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'if'.
Both relate to time/consequence.
Both mean 'if'.
Common Mistakes
如果下雨，我不去。
如果下雨，我就不去。
如果下雨，就我不去。
如果下雨，我就不去。
如果下雨，如果我不去。
如果下雨，我就不去。
下雨如果，我就不去。
如果下雨，我就不去。
如果明天有时间，我明天去。
如果明天有时间，我就去。
如果他来，就他来。
如果他来，就让他来。
如果他不来，我就不来。
如果他不来，我也不去。
如果能帮我，就帮我。
如果能帮我，那就太好了。
如果想提高，就练习。
如果想提高，就得多练习。
如果下雨，就取消。
如果下雨，我们就取消。
如果考虑到因素，就决定。
如果考虑到各种因素，我们再做决定。
如果说人生，就一场戏。
如果说人生是一场戏，那么每个人都是主角。
如果以史为鉴，就避免错误。
如果以史为鉴，我们便能避免重蹈覆辙。
Sentence Patterns
如果___，我就___。
如果___，就请___。
如果___，那就___。
如果___，就必须___。
Real World Usage
如果到了就说一声。
如果被录用，我随时可以入职。
如果没餐具，就不要了。
如果迷路了，就问问酒店前台。
如果喜欢，就点个赞吧！
如果需要更多信息，请随时联系。
Don't overthink
Subject placement
Use 'jiu' for flow
Politeness
Smart Tips
Always include 'jiu' even if it seems optional.
Use '如果' instead of '要是'.
Use '若' for a more sophisticated tone.
Combine with '最好' for better impact.
Pronunciation
Ruguo
R is a retroflex sound, u is like 'oo'.
Jiu
J is like 'jee', iu is like 'yoh'.
Conditional Pause
如果... (pause) ...就...
The pause after the condition emphasizes the result.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
If you see 'Ruguo', you must 'Jiu' (Go) to the result!
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge. The left side is 'If' (Ruguo), the right side is the 'Result'. The bridge itself is 'Jiu'.
Rhyme
If you want to say 'if', use Ruguo, then for the result, let Jiu flow.
Story
Xiao Ming is hungry. He thinks: 'If I am hungry (Ruguo), then I eat (Jiu)'. He says: 'Ruguo wo e, jiu chi'. Now he is full!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your plans for tomorrow using the Ruguo-Jiu structure.
Cultural Notes
Very standard in daily speech. Used for everything from ordering food to business.
Similar usage, but sometimes '要是' is preferred in very casual settings.
Often mixed with Cantonese structures, but '如果' is understood.
Derived from classical Chinese conditional markers.
Conversation Starters
如果明天放假，你打算做什么？
如果遇到困难，你会找谁帮忙？
如果能去任何地方旅游，你想去哪？
如果时间可以倒流，你想改变什么？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
如果下雨，____不去。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
如果他来，他来。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If you are tired, rest.
Answer starts with: 如果累...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '如果' and '就'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises如果下雨，____不去。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
如果他来，他来。
就 / 如果 / 我 / 饿 / 吃
If you are tired, rest.
如果下雨 -> ?
Use '如果' and '就'.
Which is most formal?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
5 exercises就 / 我 / 去 / 如果 / 忙 / 不 / 不
If you like it, then buy it.
{如果|rúguǒ}{你|nǐ}{没|méi}{听|tīng}{懂|dǒng}，___ {问|wèn}{老师|lǎoshī}。
Match the clauses:
Which sentence sounds more informal?
Score: /5
FAQ (8)
Yes, but it sounds less natural and lacks the 'then' emphasis.
It can go before or after 'ruguo'.
In most conditional sentences, yes, for natural flow.
Yes, but you need to add time markers like 'zuotian'.
'Jiu' is for immediate consequence; 'cai' is for 'not until'.
Yes, very frequently.
Yes, just add a question particle.
Mainly in the choice of 'ruguo' vs 'yaoshi'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente, presente/futuro
Spanish uses verb conjugation for conditions; Chinese does not.
Si + présent, présent/futur
French requires complex verb agreement.
Wenn... dann...
German changes word order (verb-second) in the result clause.
もし...なら...
Japanese particles come after the word, whereas Chinese markers come before.
إذا... فـ...
Arabic has complex case endings.
如果...就...
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Continue With
Even if... still (即使...也)
Overview In Chinese, the correlative conjunction pair `即使...也...` (`jíshǐ...yě...`) serves to express a concessive h...
The 'Only If' Rule (只有...才)
Overview `只有...才` (`zhǐyǒu...cái`) is a fundamental Chinese grammar structure used to express a **sole, indispensable...
As Long As... (只要...就)
Overview In Chinese grammar, expressing conditionality is a nuanced art. The `只要...就` (zhǐyào...jiù) pattern is a fu...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
Doing things again with Zài (再)
Overview `再 (zài)` is a pivotal adverb in Chinese, fundamentally meaning **"again," "once more,"** or **"in addition."*...
Formal Conditionals: If... Then... (若...则 / 倘...便)
Overview At the C1 level of Chinese, moving beyond conversational fluency requires mastering **register**—the ability t...
Related Grammar Rules
Advanced Causality: So... That (以致, 致使, 从而)
Overview Mastering advanced causal connectors is a hallmark of the C2 level, allowing you to articulate complex cause-a...
Doing two things at once (一边...一边)
Overview In Chinese, expressing two actions occurring simultaneously is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. The...
Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."
Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
Overview The structure **`一...就...` (yī...jiù...)** is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency patterns in Man...
