If / Then — 如果…就
Overview
如果 (rúguǒ) introduces a conditional clause — “if X, then Y.” It is almost always paired with 就 (jiù) in the result clause, which signals that the consequence flows naturally from the condition. Together they form Mandarin’s standard if-then structure. 要是 (yàoshi) is a colloquial alternative to 如果 with identical grammar.
Pattern(s)
| Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|
如果 [Condition], 就 [Result] | Standard conditional; formal & spoken |
要是 [Condition], 就 [Result] | Colloquial variant; same grammar as 如果 |
如果 [Condition], [Result] | 就 can be omitted in informal speech |
就 is placed before the verb of the result clause, not at the start of the clause.
Core Examples
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 如果你来，我就做饭。 | Rúguǒ nǐ lái, wǒ jiù zuò fàn. | If you come, (then) I’ll cook. |
| 如果你来，我就高兴。 | Rúguǒ nǐ lái, wǒ jiù gāoxìng. | If you come, I’ll be happy. |
| 你好好学习，就能考好。 | Nǐ hǎohao xuéxí, jiù néng kǎo hǎo. | If you study hard, then you can do well on the test. |
| 要是下雨，我们就不去了。 | Yàoshi xià yǔ, wǒmen jiù bú qù le. | If it rains, we won’t go. |
| 如果有问题，就告诉我。 | Rúguǒ yǒu wèntí, jiù gàosù wǒ. | If there’s a problem, then tell me. |
Pitfalls
❌ Placing 就 at the start of the result clause
如果你来，就我做饭。 ❌ 就 belongs before the main verb, not before the subject: 如果你来，我就做饭。 ✅
❌ Using 因为 instead of 如果 for hypotheticals 因为 states a known reason; 如果 introduces a hypothetical condition not yet true.
❌ Omitting 就 in formal writing In written Chinese, keeping 就 is preferred for clarity even when speech might drop it.
Minimal Pairs
| 如果…就 | 因为…所以 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hypothetical condition | Known cause |
| Reality | Not yet true / uncertain | Already true |
| Pair | 如果 + 就 | 因为 + 所以 |
| Example | 如果下雨，我就不去。(might rain) | 因为下雨了，所以我没去。(it did rain) |
| 如果 (rúguǒ) | 要是 (yàoshi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Register | Neutral / slightly formal | Colloquial |
| Grammar | Identical | Identical |
Drills
Fill in the blank with 如果 or 就:
- _____ 你明天有空，我们一起去爬山吧。
- 你按时吃药，病 _____ 会好得快。
- _____ 天气好，我们 _____ 去海边。
- 要是你不喜欢，_____ 换一个。
- _____ 你有问题，可以问老师。
Answer Key: 1. 如果 2. 就 3. 如果 / 就 4. 就 5. 如果
Notes
- 要是 sounds warmer and more conversational; 如果 is safe in all contexts.
- The condition clause (如果…) can come after the result clause in informal speech, but the standard order is condition → result.
- 万一 (wànyī, “in case / what if”) is used for low-probability or unwanted conditions: 万一下雨，我们怎么办？
Sources
- HSK Level: 3
- Mandarin Grammar References — Conjunctions chapter
- HSK Standard Course 3 — L16