How to use 就
就 + Verb Phrase
就 can connect a situation with a consequence, response, or decision. A first clause establishes the circumstances, and the following clause places 就 before the relevant action. Depending on context, English might use “then,” “so,” or “just” to convey how naturally the second part follows from the first.
The connection may be causal, practical, or closely sequential rather than one fixed logical relationship. Some sentences emphasize an immediate response to an event; others settle on a sensible option. The initial situation can also be understood from earlier conversation. Because 就 has several other grammatical uses, identify the relationship between the clauses before deciding which English expression best fits a particular sentence.
Examples with pinyin and English
你喜欢喝奶茶，我们就买奶茶吧。
So you like milk tea. Then we'll buy milk tea.
你最有经验， 就听你的吧。
You have the most experience. We'll just listen to you.
我听到这个坏消息， 就给你打电话了。
As soon as I heard this bad news, I called you.
你现在身体不好， 就不要喝酒了。
Your health isn't good now. So just stop drinking.
What to remember
- Put 就 before the resulting action.
- The first clause establishes relevant circumstances.
- Context distinguishes decisions from immediate sequences.
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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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