01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
如果明天不下雨，我们就去散步。
If it does not rain tomorrow, we will go for a walk.
The walk depends on the weather condition.
如果你觉得冷，就关窗吧。
If you feel cold, close the window.
The subject of the suggestion is understood to be 你.
如果这本书太难，我就换一本。
If this book is too difficult, I will switch to another one.
一本 stands for another book; the noun is clear from context.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
如果 introduces a condition, and 就 connects that condition to a consequence. 如果明天不下雨，我们就去散步 means “If it does not rain tomorrow, we will go for a walk.” The sentence does not claim the weather is settled. It says what follows under the stated condition, which makes it useful for flexible plans and practical advice.
Pay attention to the position of 就. In the consequence clause, it normally comes after the subject and before the main verb phrase: 我们就去. In English, “then” may sit at the start of the clause or disappear entirely in a natural translation. Chinese word order does not have to follow the English placement. The two clauses may have different subjects, so make each one clear when needed.
The pattern can describe a single possibility or a general response. If the condition already includes a negative, keep it inside that clause, as in 如果不下雨. Do not confuse a condition with a reason: 因为 presents something as the cause, while 如果 leaves it conditional.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid如果你有时间，你来就。
Use如果你有时间，你就来。
就 belongs before the consequence verb 来, after the subject 你. It does not go at the end of this clause.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 散步 | sànbù | to take a walk |
| 关窗 | guān chuāng | to close a window |
| 换 | huàn | to change or exchange |
Longer phrases are practised through their component words.
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
