只要……，就……
as long as …, (then) …
Structure
只要 + 条件 ， （主语 +） 就 + 结果
What it means
Gives a condition that is enough on its own: “as long as, provided that”.
How it is built
只要 + condition, (subject +) 就 + result, often with 能 or 一定: 只要多练习，就能学好 (As long as you practise a lot, you’ll learn it well).
When to use it
It promises more than 如果, a plain “if”: meet this one condition and the result follows. It also works for habits: 只要有时间，他就去跑步 (Whenever he has time, he runs).
Watch out
Don’t confuse it with 只 + 要 “only want”: 我只要一杯茶 means “I only want a cup of tea”. Keep 就 in the result: ✓ 只要你愿意，我就教你。
Examples
只要多练习，就能学好。
As long as you practise a lot, you’ll learn it well.
只要有时间，他就去跑步。
Whenever he has time, he goes for a run.
只要你愿意，我就教你。
As long as you’re willing, I’ll teach you.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 17: 找工作 (Looking for work)
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 →