How to use 要…就
要 + intended action + 就 + action / requirement
要…就 can frame an action as a choice and then insist on carrying it through or doing it properly. Repeating the verb produces a direct challenge or instruction: if that is what someone intends, they should act. Other endings specify the manner or standard required. The result often sounds more decisive than an ordinary neutral conditional.
Place the intended action after 要 and the required response after 就. A subject is frequently understood in conversation, although explicit subjects or topics are possible. Tone depends on the relationship and situation: the pattern can be encouraging, impatient, or confrontational. It does not necessarily describe the future; its focus is the practical commitment attached to choosing an action.
Examples with pinyin and English
要走就走，我们不需要你。
If you want to leave, leave. We don't need you.
要买就买，我们快关门了。
If you're going to buy it, buy it now. We are about to close the shop.
要说就说，别在背后说。
If you're going to say it, say it now. Don't talk behind people's backs.
要去就去，不用等我们。
If you want to go, go now. You don't need to wait for us.
What to remember
- Use 要 to establish the intended action.
- Use 就 to introduce the decisive response or requirement.
- Expect tone to vary from encouragement to impatience.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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