HSK 2 Condensed Complex Phrases Condensed Complex Sentences

Condensed Complex Phrases - 一……就……

紧缩复句 — 一……就……

Here we deal with complex sentences (复句): how to link two propositions (cause, condition, contrast, purpose, etc).

Elements

一……就……

How to use it

  • Start with a model phrase like 就是 (is) and replace only the variable information.
  • Copy a model phrase (就是) and replace the subject/object/time while keeping the same structure.
  • Context: especially in explanations and arguments.

Examples

就是

jiù shì

is

就要

jiù yào

is left

就这样

jiù zhèyàng

It's like that

就好

jiù hǎo

That's all

Notes and exceptions

  • 就 — Consequence/ immediacy: Very versatile
  • often with conditional or rapidity structures (一…就…).

Common mistakes

  • Check the order of elements before speaking or writing.
  • Use a complete phrase to validate the structure in a real context.

Practice quiz

Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.

1. ____是

(is)

2. ____要

(is left)

3. ____这样

(It's like that)

4. ____好

(That's all)