Expressing indifference with "jiu"
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Level B2
Similar to
Conditions with "yao" and "jiu" (B2)
Used for
Expressing attitude
Keywords
就
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One of the many uses of 就 (jiù) is to add emphasis to indifference. This is similar to when we say in English "if you want to do it, then just do it!" and swapping out the "do" in that sentence for some other verb.
Contents
1 Affirmative Form
1.1 Structure
1.2 Examples
2 Negative Form
2.1 Structure
2.2 Examples
3 See also
4 Sources and further reading
Affirmative Form
Structure
Verb + 就 + Verb
This structure will usually add emphasis to what are saying, and it often expresses that the speaker has an "I don't care" attitude.
Examples
坏了 就 坏了 ,再 买 新的 。
If it's broken, leave it there. We can buy a new one.
走 就 走 ,我 早就 不 想 干 了 !
I will leave if they want me to leave. I wanted to quit long time ago!
反对 就 反对 ,我 不 在乎 。
If they disagree, let them disagree. I don't care.
赌 就 赌 ,谁 怕 谁 ?
If you want to take a bet, let's take a bet. You think you scare me?
离婚 就 离婚 ,我 早就 想 离 了 !
If you want to get a divorce, let's do it. I wanted to do this long time ago!
Negative Form
Structure
不 / 没 + Adj. / Verb + 就 + 不 / 没 + Adj. / Verb
Examples
他 没 来 就 没 来 ,我 一个人 可以 搞定 。
It's fine that he didn't show up. I can handle it by myself.
她 不 高兴 就 不 高兴 ,不 是 我 的 错 。
If she's unhappy, she's unhappy. It's not like it's my fault.
不 吃 就 不 吃 ,你 以为 我 很 想 吃 啊 ?
I will stop eating if you're asking me to. You think I really want to eat it?
不 帮 就 不 帮 ,我 又 不是 只有 你 一个 朋友 !
Don't help if you don't want. You're not the only friend that I've got.
你们 不 懂 就 不 懂 ,我 说 那么 多 也 没 用 。
It's fine that you don't really understand. There's no point me telling you so much.
See also
Comparing "cai" and "jiu"
Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu"
Expressing earliness with "jiu"
Limiting scope with "jiu"
"If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"
Sources and further reading
现代汉语八百词 (pp. 316-317) →buy
{Similar|Conditions with "yao" and "jiu"}} {Similar|Expressing "as one likes" with "jiu"}}