Condition with 只要...就
Expressing sufficient condition with 只要...就 meaning as long as
Pattern
只要 + Condition, Subject + 就 + Result
Explanation
只要...就 expresses a sufficient condition: as long as the condition in the first clause is met, the result in the second clause will follow. It emphasizes that only one condition needs to be satisfied.
This pattern differs from 只有...才 which expresses a necessary condition. With 只要...就, the condition is presented as easy to fulfill or as the minimum requirement, while 只有...才 implies the condition is the only way to achieve the result.
Examples
只要你努力，就一定能成功。
Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì, jiù yīdìng néng chénggōng.
As long as you work hard, you will definitely succeed.
只要天气好，我们就去野餐。
Zhǐyào tiānqì hǎo, wǒmen jiù qù yěcān.
As long as the weather is good, we will go on a picnic.
只要有时间，他就会去健身房锻炼。
Zhǐyào yǒu shíjiān, tā jiù huì qù jiànshēnfáng duànliàn.
As long as he has time, he will go to the gym to exercise.
Common Mistakes
只要你努力，才能成功。
只要你努力，就能成功。
只要 pairs with 就, not 才. Using 才 would require 只有 instead.
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