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Expressing "as one likes" with 就 ("jiu4")

就 jiù

Grammar
HSK 3

Structure

想 + Verb + 就 + Verb 想 + Verb + [Question Word] + 就 + Verb + [Question Word]

Definition

“就”用于表示动作或行为按照主语自己的意愿或选择进行，常与“想”、“要”、“愿意”等词连用，强调自主性和随意性。

Used to indicate that an action or behavior is carried out according to the subject's own will or choice, often combined with words like '想' (want), '要' (want/need), '愿意' (willing), emphasizing autonomy and freedom.

Usage

通常用在动词或动词短语前，构成“想...就...”或“要...就...”等固定结构，表示某人可以按照自己的意愿做某事。

Usually used before a verb or verb phrase, forming fixed structures like '想...就...' (if you want, just...) or '要...就...' (if you want, just...), indicating that someone can do something as they like.

Examples

  • 1 你想吃就吃，不用客气。 (If you want to eat, just eat, don't be polite.)
  • 2 他爱怎么玩就怎么玩，没人管。 (He plays however he likes, no one controls him.)
  • 3 周末我可以想睡多久就睡多久。 (On weekends, I can sleep as long as I want.)
  • 4 你什么时候有空就什么时候来。 (Come whenever you are free.)
  • 5 她想买什么就买什么，不在乎价钱。 (She buys whatever she wants, regardless of the price.)

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