……了……就……
Do X, then (straight away) Y
Structure
动词1 + 了 + 宾语1 + （就） + 动词2
What it means
Links two actions in order: once X is done, Y follows. 就 adds “straight away”, so it often translates as “as soon as” or “once”.
How it is built
Verb 1 + 了 + object 1 + 就 + verb 2: 我们吃了饭就去看电影吧 (let’s go to the cinema once we’ve eaten). 了 sits right after the first verb, before its object: 吃了饭, 起了床.
When to use it
Works for past events, plans, orders and habits. For something that already happened, end with 了 too: 我起了床就出门了. For a plan or instruction, leave it off: 你到了公司就来我办公室. Close to 一……就…… (h2-16).
Watch out
The first 了 goes after the verb, not after its object: ✗ 我们吃饭了就去吧。 ✓ 我们吃了饭就去吧。 Don’t add a final 了 to a plan: ✓ 你到了公司就来我办公室。
Examples
我起了床就出门了。
I left the house as soon as I got up.
我们吃了饭就去看电影吧。
Let’s go to the cinema once we’ve eaten.
你到了公司就来我办公室。
Come to my office as soon as you get in.
他下了班就去跑步。
He goes running as soon as he finishes work.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 5: 又迟到了 (Late again)
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.
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