说 + V + 就 + V
HSK 6- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure '说 + V + 就 + V' expresses an action that happens immediately, without any hesitation.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure is used to emphasize an action carried out immediately and decisively, the moment it is said or the moment an intention arises. It typically describes a person's character (decisive, hot-headed, prone to change) or an instantaneous reaction.
An important note is that the two verbs (V) in this structure must be identical.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他这个人说走就走。繁: 他這個人說走就走。Tā zhè ge rén shuō zǒu jiù zǒu.
He is the type of person who leaves immediately once he decides to go.
- 你怎么说生气就生气？繁: 你怎麼說生氣就生氣？Nǐ zěnme shuō shēngqì jiù shēngqì?
How can you get angry just like that whenever you say you're angry?
- 这孩子说哭就哭。繁: 這孩子說哭就哭。Zhè háizi shuō kū jiù kū.
This child cries whenever he says he will cry.
- 他做事说干就干。繁: 他做事說幹就幹。Tā zuòshì shuō gàn jiù gàn.
He does things decisively, saying he'll do something and doing it right away.
- 天气预报说变就变。繁: 天氣預報說變就變。Tiānqì yùbào shuō biàn jiù biàn.
The weather forecast changes instantly.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他说走就去。Correct:他说走就走。
The two verbs in this structure must be identical to create a repetition effect that emphasizes immediacy.
- Wrong:他说哭马上就哭。Correct:他说哭就哭。
This structure already contains the meaning of 'immediately'; there is no need to add an adverb like '马上' in the middle.