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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "if… then…" with 要是 (yàoshi)

    HSK 3
    Condition
    Result & Consequence

    Structure

    要是 + Condition, 就 + Result

    Explanation

    要是 (yàoshi) is an informal way to say "if" in Chinese, commonly used in spoken language. It introduces a conditional clause, often paired with 就 (jiù) in the result clause to mean "then." This structure is one of the most natural ways to form "if… then…" sentences in everyday conversation.

    Examples

    • 要是明天天气好，我们就去爬山。

      yàoshi míngtiān tiānqì hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù páshān.

      If the weather is nice tomorrow, we'll go hiking.

    • 要是你不喜欢，就别勉强自己。

      yàoshi nǐ bù xǐhuān, jiù bié miǎnqiǎng zìjǐ.

      If you don't like it, don't force yourself.

    • 要是早点出发，就不会迟到了。

      yàoshi zǎo diǎn chūfā, jiù bú huì chídào le.

      If we had left earlier, we wouldn't have been late.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With