Conjunction 只要...就

This pattern works like a simple logic gate. You have a condition (Part A) and a result (Part B). The word 只要 marks the condition. It literally means "only need." The word 就 marks the result. It acts like the word "then" in English. Together, they say: "If you just do this one thing, then this result happens." It’s not saying this is the *only* way to get the result. It’s saying this is a *sufficient* way. For example, "As long as you study, you will pass." Studying is enough to get the result. There might be other ways, but this one works for sure. It’s a very positive and encouraging structure.

1. 1Using this pattern is like building a sandwich. You need two main slices of bread and some filling in the middle.
2. 2Start with 只要 (zhǐyào) at the beginning of the first clause.
3. 3Add your condition (e.g., "you come").
4. 4Start the second clause with 就 (jiù).
5. 5Add your result (e.g., "I am happy").
6. 6Structure: 只要 + Condition + (Subject) + 就 + Result.
7. 7Note: The subject of the second part usually goes right before 就. If the subject is the same for both parts, you can put it before 只要 or after it. For example: 你只要来，我就高兴 (Nǐ zhǐyào lái, wǒ jiù gāoxìng).

Use this when you want to set a condition that is "enough."

• Ordering Food: "As long as it’s not spicy, I’ll eat it." (只要不辣，我就吃。) This is perfect for picky eaters!
• Asking Directions: "As long as you walk straight, you’ll see the subway." (只要直走，你就能看到地铁。) It simplifies things for the listener.
• Job Interviews: "As long as I have a chance, I will work hard." (只要有机会，我就努力工作。) It shows your determination.
• Dating and Friends: "As long as you are happy, I am happy." (只要你开心，我就开心。) This is a classic romantic line. Use it wisely!
• Daily Promises: "As long as I finish my homework, I can play games." It’s the ultimate bargaining chip with parents or yourself.

Don’t use 只要...就 when the condition is the *only* possible way to get a result. If you want to say "Only if you are a doctor can you perform surgery," this pattern is too weak. 只要 implies the bar is low or easy to reach. If the condition is a strict, exclusive requirement, you need a different pattern (like 只有...才). Also, don't use it for things that are already happening. It’s for conditions and their logical outcomes. If you’re just describing two things happening at once, use 一边...一边 instead. Think of it like a grammar traffic light; it only turns green when the condition is met.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, but usually, it's learners who forget the "glue."

1. 1Forgetting 就: This is the most common mistake. You cannot have 只要 without 就 in the second half. It’s like wearing one shoe. It feels wrong.

• ✗ 只要你来，我高兴。
• ✓ 只要你来，我就高兴。

1. 1Wrong Word Order: Putting 就 before the subject.

• ✗ 只要你来，就我高兴。
• ✓ 只要你来，我就高兴。

1. 1Confusing with 如果: 如果 means "if" (a possibility). 只要 means "as long as" (a sufficient condition). 只要 is much stronger and more certain than 如果.

The biggest rival to 只要...就 is 只有...才 (zhǐyǒu...cái).

• 只要...就: "As long as A happens, B will happen." (A is enough).
• 只有...才: "Only if A happens, can B happen." (A is the ONLY way).

Imagine a club. 只要 is like a club with a very easy dress code: "As long as you wear shoes, you can enter." 只有 is like a VIP club: "Only if you have a gold card can you enter." One is easy and inclusive; the other is strict and exclusive. Don't mix them up, or you'll change the whole meaning of your sentence!