等…就
Pattern
等 + time / event, 就 + action
Key words
Core idea
等…就… links a waiting point with what happens after it. It is close to “when...” or “once...” in English.
The 等 clause gives the condition or time. 就 introduces the action that follows.
Usage boundary
This pattern is useful when the second action depends on the first event happening. It does not mean “wait” as an action by itself unless the sentence also clearly says someone is waiting.
Word order note
Put 就 before the action that happens next. It helps the sentence feel immediate and connected.
Examples
等你到了，我就走。
Děng nǐ dào le, wǒ jiù zǒu.
When you arrive, I will leave.
等雨停了，我们就出门。
Děng yǔ tíng le, wǒmen jiù chūmén.
When the rain stops, we will go out.
等老师来，我就问他。
Děng lǎoshī lái, wǒ jiù wèn tā.
When the teacher comes, I will ask him.
Common mistakes
Avoid
等你到了，我走就。
Use
等你到了，我就走。
就 comes before the action that follows the 等 clause.
Seen in stories
The Parcel Under the Bench
包裹上没有名字，只有一张纸条：等钟声响了，就去快递柜。
There is no name on it, only a note: when the bell rings, go to the delivery locker.
The Parcel Under the Bench
等楼下的旧钟响了，她就走到快递柜前。
When the old clock downstairs rings, she walks to the delivery locker.
The Parcel Under the Bench
柜门里又有一张纸条：等你找到红色雨伞，就问伞主人。
Inside the locker is another note: when you find the red umbrella, ask its owner.
The Parcel Under the Bench
红伞主人笑着说：“等你回到长椅，就知道答案了。”
The owner of the red umbrella smiles and says, “When you return to the bench, you’ll know the answer.”
The Parcel Under the Bench
等她跑回长椅，邻居们就一起站起来。
When she runs back to the bench, the neighbors stand up together.
Show 5 more story examples
Waiting With the Curtain Half Open
玉米阿姨说：“等歌手到了，我们就开灯。”
The corn auntie says, “When the singer arrives, we will turn on the lights.”
Waiting With the Curtain Half Open
阿澄小声说，等音乐开始，大家就不会注意我们的紧张了。
A Cheng says quietly that once the music starts, no one will notice their nerves.
Waiting With the Curtain Half Open
摊主说，等我们把第一首放出来，她就会知道该上台。
The vendor says that when they play the first song, she will know to come onstage.
Waiting With the Curtain Half Open
她笑着说，等大家不再找我，我就能从观众里走出来。
She smiles and says, “When everyone stops looking for me, I can walk out from the audience.”
Waiting With the Curtain Half Open
等帘子全开，舞台已经不像一个临时角落了。
When the curtain opens fully, the stage no longer feels like a temporary corner.