能…就…
HSK 6- Modal verbs
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 能…就… expresses trying to do something as much as possible within permissible conditions.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 能…就… is used to express the idea of "doing something as much as possible" or "just do it if you can." It emphasizes making the most of every opportunity or capability to carry out an action to the fullest extent.
The key point is that the verb or adjective (and sometimes the object as well) is repeated in both clauses, conveying consistency in the action. For example, 能省就省 (save wherever you can), 能快就快 (go as fast as you can).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 能省就省吧。Néng shěng jiù shěng ba.
Save whenever you can.
- 你能早点来就早点来。繁: 你能早點來就早點來。Nǐ néng zǎo diǎn lái jiù zǎo diǎn lái.
If you can come earlier, then come earlier.
- 我能帮你多少就帮你多少。繁: 我能幫你多少就幫你多少。Wǒ néng bāng nǐ duōshao jiù bāng nǐ duōshao.
I will help you as much as I can.
- 咱们能快点走就快点走。繁: 咱們能快點走就快點走。Zánmen néng kuài diǎn zǒu jiù kuài diǎn zǒu.
Let's walk as fast as we can.
- 作业能今天做完就今天做完。繁: 作業能今天做完就今天做完。Zuòyè néng jīntiān zuò wán jiù jīntiān zuò wán.
If you can finish your homework today, then finish it today.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:能省钱就做。Correct:能省钱就省钱。
This structure requires repeating the exact verb or verb phrase on both sides, not replacing it with a general verb like 做.
- Wrong:你能来就快点。Correct:你能快点来就快点来。
The clause after 就 must repeat the action from the preceding clause; if you want to express "quickly," 快点 must appear in both clauses.