The English phrase "as soon as," meaning "when" or "just after," can be expressed in Mandarin Chinese with the ? (yi) … ? (jiù) pattern:
If both subjects are the same, the second one is usually left out.
Here is an example:
The character? (yi) in this construction is the same as the number one, and follows the same rules for tone conversion:
The? (yi) … ? (jiù) pattern can be used for past, present or future events. Here are a few more examples:
SUBJECT – ? (yi) – VERB – SUBJECT – ? (jiù) VERB
If both subjects are the same, the second one is usually left out.
Here is an example:
????､??????
Wo yi chi le, jiù zhidao bùhao.
As soon as I ate it I knew it wasn't good.
The character? (yi) in this construction is the same as the number one, and follows the same rules for tone conversion:
- when it comes before the first, second, or third tones it is pronounced in the fourth tone
- when it comes before a fourth tone, it is pronounced in the second tone
The? (yi) … ? (jiù) pattern can be used for past, present or future events. Here are a few more examples:
?????､????
?????､????
Wo yì kai dià nshì, jiù tóutòng.
As soon as I turn on the TV, I get a headache.
???､????????
???､????????
Ta yà kà n, wo jiù wà ngjì shénme shuo.
As soon as I saw her, I forgot what to say.