等 děng literally means “to wait.” In 等 děng A… 就 jiù B, it means “once A happens, then B”: you’re waiting for A, and as soon as it’s done, B follows. It’s usually about the future and plans.
一 等 A，就 B
等 + Event A，(Subject) + 就 + Event B
Event A often ends with 了 le to show it’s completed. The subject of B goes before 就 jiù, and can be left out if it’s clear.
等電影电影開始开始，我就不講話讲话了
Once the movie starts, I’ll stop talking.
等老闆老板走了，我們我们就去喝咖啡吧！
Once the boss leaves, let’s go grab coffee!
等我有錢有钱了，就去環遊环游世界
Once I’m rich, I’ll travel around the world!
等你學會学会做菜，就請请我吃飯吃饭吧！
Once you learn to cook, treat me to dinner!
等我減肥减肥成功，就買买新衣服衣服
Once I lose the weight, I’m buying new clothes!
等小孩睡著睡着，我們我们就來来追劇追剧吧！
Once the kids are asleep, let’s binge-watch some shows!
等你來来台灣台湾，我就帶带你去夜市
Once you come to Taiwan, I’ll take you to a night market!
FYI: 追劇追剧追劇 zhuījù追剧 zhuījù means watching episode after episode of a TV series, like “binge-watching.” Literally, it’s “chasing a drama.”
二 等⋯就 vs. 一⋯就
Both patterns can be translated as “as soon as,” but 等 děng…就 jiù is about waiting for something before doing something else (usually a plan). 一 yī…就 jiù is about B happening immediately after A, often every time.
等⋯就 · wait for A, then B
等我下班，就去找你
Once I get off work, I’ll come find you. (A plan.)
一⋯就 · right after A, B
他一喝酒就臉紅脸红
As soon as he drinks, his face turns red. (Every time.)
三 Common Mistakes
❌ 等電影电影開始开始，就我不講話讲话了
✅ 等電影电影開始开始，我就不講話讲话了
就 jiù is an adverb, so the subject goes before it.
❌ 我就去環遊环游世界，等我有錢有钱了
✅ 等我有錢有钱了，我就去環遊环游世界
The 等 děng part (what you’re waiting for) comes first.
四 Practice
Tap the words below in the right order to build the sentence, then check your answer. If it’s wrong, you can try again as many times as you like, or hit “Show answer” if you get stuck. Careful: some tiles are traps and are not needed!
Question 1 of 10
“Once I get off work, I’ll call you.”
Tap words below to build the sentence
❌ Try Again
等我下班，我就打電話打电话給给你
Leaving out the second 我 is also correct.
The subject goes before 就 jiù, or can be left out.
“Once the rain stops, let’s go out.”
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❌ Try Again
等雨停了，我們我们就出去吧
Leaving out 我們我们 is also correct.
了 shows A is finished.
“Once I have time, I’ll come see you.”
Tap words below to build the sentence
❌ Try Again
等我有空，就去看你
Adding 我 before 就 is also correct.
A plan for the future.
“Once the kids fall asleep, let’s watch a movie.”
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❌ Try Again
等孩子睡著睡着了，我們我们就看電影电影吧
Leaving out 我們我们 is also correct.
Parent life. 🍿
“Once he gets here, we’ll start eating.”
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❌ Try Again
等他來来了，我們我们就開始开始吃飯吃饭
Leaving out 我們我们 is also correct.
Waiting for him first.
“Once I find a job, I’ll move out.”
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❌ Try Again
等我找到工作，我就搬出去
Leaving out the second 我 is also correct.
等 A，(S) 就 B.
“As soon as he drinks, his face turns red.”
Tap words below to build the sentence
❌ Try Again
他一喝酒就臉紅脸红
It happens every time → 一 yì…就 jiù, not 等 děng.
“Once spring comes, the flowers will bloom.”
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❌ Try Again
等春天來来了，花就開开了
The subject 花 huā goes before 就 jiù. 🌸
“Once you come to Taiwan, I’ll take you to eat beef noodles.”
