如果...就... (rúguǒ...jiù...) - If...Then

This pattern consists of two distinct parts that work in harmony. The first part starts with 如果 (rúguǒ). This word introduces the condition or the "if" scenario. The second part almost always features the word 就 (jiù). This little word introduces the result or the "then" consequence. In English, we often skip the word "then." We might just say, "If it rains, I'm staying home." In Chinese, skipping 就 (jiù) makes the sentence feel a bit unstable. It acts like a grammatical glue. It sticks the result firmly to the condition. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished to a native ear. It is like wearing a fancy suit but forgetting your shoes. It works, technically, but everyone will notice something is missing.

1. 1Creating these sentences follows a very logical path.
2. 2Place 如果 (rúguǒ) at the very beginning of your first clause.
3. 3State your condition clearly (e.g., "you are tired").
4. 4Use a comma to separate your thoughts and give the listener a moment.
5. 5Place the subject of the second clause (e.g., "you").
6. 6Put 就 (jiù) immediately after that subject. This is the most important step!
7. 7State the result or the consequence (e.g., "go to sleep").
8. 8Example: 如果 (If) 你 (you) 累了 (are tired), 你 (you) 就 (then) 睡觉 (sleep).
9. 9Notice the position of 就. It loves to sit right after the subject. If the subject is the same in both parts, you can often drop the second one to sound more natural.

You should reach for this pattern whenever one action depends on another. Use it for making daily plans with your friends. "If you are free tonight, let's grab hotpot." Use it when you are shopping and trying to save some money. "If I buy three, can I get a discount?" It is also perfect for professional settings like job interviews. "If you hire me, I will bring great value to the team." You can even use it for those "what if" late-night conversations. "If I lived in Mars, I would miss bubble tea." It is a very flexible pattern. It works in formal emails and casual WeChat messages alike. Even if you are just talking to your cat, it works. "If you stop meowing, I will give you a treat."

There are a few times when 如果...就... isn't the right choice. Don't use this for things that are 100% certain to happen. If something happens every single time, use 的时候 (de shíhòu), which means "when." For example, "When the sun sets, it gets dark." That is a natural law, not a conditional possibility. Also, don't use it if the two parts of your sentence aren't logically connected. The word 就 implies a strong, immediate connection. If the result doesn't flow from the condition, the sentence will sound confusing. Finally, avoid using it for "whether or not" questions. If you want to say "I don't know if he likes me," you need a different structure. 如果 is strictly for "in the event that."

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is forgetting the 就. In English, "If it rains, I stay" is perfect. In Chinese, 如果下雨，我不去 sounds "choppy" and a bit robotic. Adding that 就 makes the sentence flow like a river. Another common trap is the word order of 就. Many learners try to put it before the subject because "then" comes first in English. Never say 就我. Always say 我就. Think of 就 as a loyal shadow. It follows the subject. If the subject moves, 就 moves with it. Lastly, don't forget the comma! While you don't "speak" a comma, a tiny pause helps the listener realize you are moving from the condition to the result.

As you learn more, you will see other words for "if." You might hear 要是 (yàoshi). Don't panic! This is just a more casual, spoken version of 如果. You can use them interchangeably in most conversations. Then there is 只要...就... (zhǐyào...jiù...). This means "as long as." It is a bit stronger than 如果. It implies that the condition is the *only* thing needed for the result. 如果 is more general and open-ended. There is also 假如 (jiǎrú), which you might see in literature or legal documents. It is very formal and a bit dramatic. For your daily life at the A2 level, 如果 is your absolute best friend. It is the "Goldilocks" of grammar—not too formal, not too casual.