要是…就
Pattern
要是 + condition, 就 + result
Key words
Core idea
要是…就 builds a simple condition and result. 要是 introduces the condition. 就 marks the result that follows from it.
The condition usually comes first because it sets up the situation for the result.
Usage boundary
This is a conversational if-then pattern. In short sentences, 就 may be omitted, but keeping it helps beginners hear the structure clearly.
Examples
要是明天下雨，我们就不去。
Yàoshi míngtiān xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù.
If it rains tomorrow, we will not go.
要是你有空，就来我家。
Yàoshi nǐ yǒu kòng, jiù lái wǒ jiā.
If you are free, come to my home.
要是太贵，我就不买。
Yàoshi tài guì, wǒ jiù bù mǎi.
If it is too expensive, I will not buy it.
Common mistakes
Avoid
就明天下雨，要是我们不去。
Use
要是明天下雨，我们就不去。
要是 introduces the condition; 就 belongs with the result clause.
Seen in stories
If the Rain Stops
小雨说：“如果雨停了，我们就去湖边。”
Xiaoyu says, “If the rain stops, we’ll go to the lakeside.”
If the Rain Stops
阿杰说：“如果雨不停，我们就在门口吃。”
Ajie says, “If the rain doesn’t stop, we’ll eat by the doorway.”
If the Rain Stops
如果等十分钟，他们就再看看。
If they wait ten minutes, they’ll look again.
The Typhoon Plant List
要是风变大，就把高的盆栽搬进楼梯间。
If the wind grows stronger, they will move the tall potted plants into the stairwell.
The Typhoon Plant List
要是雨太多，就把怕水的放到屋檐下。
If there is too much rain, they will put the water-sensitive ones under the eaves.
Show 3 more story examples
The Typhoon Plant List
陈太太笑着问：“要是没人认领，我们就把它丢掉吗？”
Mrs. Chen laughs and asks, “If nobody claims it, do we throw it away?”
The Typhoon Plant List
要是台风来了，就由大家一起保护它。
If the typhoon comes, everyone will protect it together.
The Club Signup
学长说：“要是你没有时间，就先参加一个社团。”
The older student said, “If you do not have time, join one club first.”