Successive occurrence of two actions: “V1 + 了 …… 就 + V2 ……”

In Chinese, the structure “V1 + 了 …… 就 + V2 ……” is used to indicate two actions happening in immediate sequence, equivalent to “as soon as...”, “right after...”, or “then...”.

1. Single Subject

Used when both actions are performed by the same person.

Subject + V1 + 了 + Object + 就 + V2

我(Wǒ)下(xià)了(le)课(kè)就(jiù)吃(chī)饭(fàn)。

As soon as class ends, I have a meal.

妈(Mā)妈(mā)起(qǐ)了(le)床(chuáng)就(jiù)做(zuò)早(zǎo)饭(fàn)。

Mom makes breakfast right after getting out of bed.

小(Xiǎo)刚(gāng)拿(ná)了(le)伞(sǎn)就(jiù)下(xià)来(lái)。

Xiaogang grabbed an umbrella and immediately came downstairs.

你(Nǐ)每(měi)天(tiān)晚(wǎn)上(shang)吃(chī)了(le)饭(fàn)就(jiù)睡(shuì)觉(jiào)。

Every evening, you go to sleep right after eating.

2. Two Subjects

If the first action is performed by one person and the second action by another, the second subject MUST be placed directly BEFORE 就.

Subject 1 + V1 + 了 …… + Subject 2 + 就 + V2 ……

你(Nǐ)下(xià)了(le)课(kè)我(wǒ)们(men)就(jiù)去(qù)书(shū)店(diàn)。

As soon as your class finishes, we will go to the bookstore.

老(Lǎo)师(shī)进(jìn)了(le)教(jiào)室(shì)我(wǒ)们(men)就(jiù)对(duì)她(tā)说(shuō)“生(“Shēng)日(rì)快(kuài)乐(lè”)”。

As soon as the teacher enters the classroom, we will say "Happy Birthday" to her.

爸(Bà)爸(ba)回(huí)来(lái)了(le)我(wǒ)们(men)就(jiù)吃(chī)饭(fàn)。

As soon as dad comes back, we will eat.

他(Tā)到(dào)了(le)办(bàn)公(gōng)室(shì)我(wǒ)就(jiù)告(gào)诉(su)他(tā)。

As soon as he arrives at the office, I will tell him.