Chinese Grammar: Expressing indifference with 就

Since you guys have already learned many patterns with 就, then you just can’t miss this usage of 就 to express your indifference! Show them your attitude!

Say “I don’t care “with 就

就 can be used in a structure with verbs to emphasize the indifference the speaker feels towards of something. Using 就 in this structure adds an attitude very similar to saying “I don’t care” in English.

Structure

Verb + 就 + Verb

Just frame 就 with the verbs you don’t care about.

Examples

去就去，反正 我 没事 做。
If you want to go, then let's go. It's not like I have nothing serious that needs doing right now.

说就说，我 无所谓。
Just say it, I don’t care.

不 吃就不 吃。
Don’t eat, I don’t care.

不 看就不 看，你 以为 我 很 喜欢 看 吗？
I won't watch it, whatever. You really thought I'd like to watch that?

Show your indifference towards adjectives with 就

When looking to show your indifference, you can also use 就 with adjectives. It conveys the same meaning of disinterest and not caring. However, one important thing to know to show your indifference right:

Structure

Negative Adjective + 就 + Negative Adjective .

The pattern must always be negative, so make sure you pick negative adjectives to pair with 就 or it won’t do.

Examples

不 高兴就不 高兴，我 也 没办法。
Be unhappy if you want, but there's nothing I can do.

不 喜欢就不 喜欢，无所谓 了。
Don't like it if you want, I don’t really care.

不满意就不满意 吧，我 尽力 了。
Be dissatisfied if you want, I’ve already tried my best.