万一…就…
HSK 5- Conditionals
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 万一…就… is used to express a hypothetical about an unlikely negative situation and its consequences.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure is used to introduce a hypothesis with a very low probability of occurring, typically an undesirable situation. 万一 (wànyī) carries a meaning similar to "just in case" or "what if" in English.
The second clause with 就 (jiù) states the consequence or course of action if that unfavorable situation actually occurs. This is an expression used to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 万一我们迷路了，就打电话求助。繁: 萬一我們迷路了，就打電話求助。Wànyī wǒmen mílù le, jiù dǎ diànhuà qiúzhù.
If we get lost, we'll call for help.
- 万一你忘了，我就提醒你。繁: 萬一你忘了，我就提醒你。Wànyī nǐ wàng le, wǒ jiù tíxǐng nǐ.
If you happen to forget, I will remind you.
- 万一明天下大雨，比赛就取消了。繁: 萬一明天下大雨，比賽就取消了。Wànyī míngtiān xià dàyǔ, bǐsài jiù qǔxiāo le.
If it happens to rain heavily tomorrow, the match will be cancelled.
- 万一我没带钱包，你就先帮我付钱。繁: 萬一我沒帶錢包，你就先幫我付錢。Wànyī wǒ méi dài qiánbāo, nǐ jiù xiān bāng wǒ fùqián.
If by chance I didn't bring my wallet, you'll help me pay first.
- 万一电脑坏了，我的报告就写不完了。繁: 萬一電腦壞了，我的報告就寫不完了。Wànyī diànnǎo huài le, wǒ de bàogào jiù xiě bu wán le.
If the computer breaks down, I won't be able to finish writing my report.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:万一明天天气好，我们就去公园。Correct:如果明天天气好，我们就去公园。
万一 is used for negative hypotheticals that are unlikely to occur; for ordinary or positive hypotheticals, use 如果 instead.
- Wrong:我就给你打电话，万一我迟到。Correct:万一我迟到，我就给你打电话。
The hypothetical clause with 万一 must come before the result clause; 万一 cannot be placed at the end of the sentence like in Vietnamese.