HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#9
Expressing a Last Chance with “zàibù... jiù...”
再不……就……
How it works
再不……就…… (zàibù...jiù...) means “if... doesn’t happen soon, then... will happen.” It often expresses urgency, warning, or a last chance.
It is commonly used when the speaker feels that time is running out and there will be an undesirable result if action is not taken immediately.
The pattern
再不 (zàibù) + Verb / Clause, 就 (jiù) + Result
Example sentences
再不出发，就赶不上火车了。
If we do not leave now, we will miss the train.
再不休息，你的身体会吃不消的。
If you do not rest soon, your body will not be able to handle it.
再不解释清楚，大家就会误会你。
If you do not explain it clearly soon, everyone will misunderstand you.
Key point
This pattern is very useful for expressing urgency and pressure.