beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1timegrammar
V 了…就
Pattern
Verb + 了, 就 + next action
Key words
Core idea
V 了…就 shows that one action follows right after another is completed. The 了 marks the first action as completed, and 就 introduces the immediate next action.
This pattern is practical for plans, routines, and instructions.
Compare with as soon as
一…就 also marks immediate sequence. The V 了…就 pattern highlights that the first action is done before the next one begins.
Examples
我吃了饭就走。
Wǒ chī le fàn jiù zǒu.
I will leave right after I eat.
他下了课就回家。
Tā xià le kè jiù huí jiā.
He goes home right after class ends.
你看了这封信就知道。
Nǐ kàn le zhè fēng xìn jiù zhīdào.
You will know after reading this letter.
Common mistakes
Avoid
我吃饭就了走。
Use
我吃了饭就走。
了 marks the first completed action; 就 comes before the next action.