动词 + 就 + 动词，别…
if you are doing V, just do V, and do not …: stick to the one thing
Structure
动词 就 动词 ， 别 …
What it means
If you are doing V, just do V, and do not …: stick to the one thing. The 别 clause names what to stop, such as dithering, grumbling or multitasking.
How it is built
Verb (+ object) + 就 + same verb (+ object) + comma + 别 + what to stop: 吃饭就吃饭，别看手机 (if you’re eating, eat; don’t look at your phone). 好好 adds emphasis: 吃饭就好好吃饭.
When to use it
Spoken, direct advice from parents, teachers and masters, often a little impatient; between friends it can encourage: 玩就好好玩，别老想着工作.
Watch out
Repeat exactly the same verb: ✗ 吃就喝 ✓ 吃饭就吃饭. Not A就A吧 (lessons 2-23, 4-16), which shrugs: 贵就贵吧 ‘expensive, so be it’. Here the 别 clause gives an order.
Examples
老师傅们常说：“焊就焊，别东张西望。”
As the old masters like to say, “When you weld, weld, and don’t let your eyes wander.”
吃饭就吃饭，别一边吃一边看手机。
If you’re eating, eat; don’t look at your phone at the same time.
买就买，别犹豫了，这个价钱已经很划算了。
If you’re going to buy it, buy it; stop dithering, it’s already a bargain at this price.
Learn this in Lesson 183 · HSK 7–9: 大国工匠 (Master craftsmen)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →