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Summary: A comprehensive guide to understanding the Chinese adverb 就 (jiù). This page breaks down the many uses of 就 (jiù), one of the most common and versatile words in Mandarin. Learn how it's used to connect actions (“then”), emphasize earliness or ease (“as soon as”), specify a small quantity (“only”), add certainty (“precisely”), and form essential grammar patterns. Mastering 就 (jiù) is a key step to moving beyond basic sentences and speaking more natural, fluent Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiù
Part of Speech: Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 2
Concise Definition: An adverb used to connect events in time, indicate something happens quickly or easily, or add emphasis.
In a Nutshell: Think of 就 (jiù) as a “highlighter” or “connector” word. It rarely has a single, perfect English translation. Instead, it adds a layer of meaning to a sentence, telling you something about the speaker's perspective. It often implies that an action happened sooner, more logically, or more easily than one might expect. It's the glue that makes sentences flow and sound natural.
Character Breakdown
就 (jiù): This character is a phono-semantic compound.
The left part is 京 (jīng), meaning “capital city”. In ancient times, its pronunciation was closer to `jiù` and it gives the character its sound.
The right part is 尢 (yóu), an archaic radical that can mean “lame” or relate to something being “especially” or “outstanding”.
The original meaning of 就 was “to move towards,” “to approach,” or “to take up” (like taking up a post). You can see how this idea of “moving towards” something evolved into its modern grammatical functions: one action “approaches” another (then), or you “approach” a conclusion (therefore).
Cultural Context and Significance
While 就 (jiù) is a grammatical function word, its frequent use reveals something about Chinese communication style: a focus on sequence, causality, and the speaker's perspective on timing.
Sequence and Consequence: Chinese often uses 就 to tightly link two events, showing that the second event is a direct and often immediate consequence of the first. This creates a very logical and streamlined narrative flow. For example, in the `一…就…` (yī…jiù…) pattern, the connection between the two actions is inseparable.
Subjective Timing vs. Objective Fact: The use of 就 (implying earliness/ease) versus its counterpart 才 (cái) (implying lateness/difficulty) is a classic example of how Chinese grammar incorporates the speaker's feelings. Saying `他八点就来了` (He came at 8 o'clock) doesn't just state a fact; it implies, “Wow, he came at 8, that's early!” This contrasts with a more objective English statement like “He arrived at 8:00 AM.” Mastering this nuance is crucial for sounding less like a textbook and more like a native speaker. It reflects a communication style where subjective context is often embedded directly into the sentence structure.
Practical Usage in Modern China
就 is incredibly common in everyday speech. Its meaning changes based on the context. Here are its main uses:
1. Indicating Sequence (Then, As soon as)
This is often seen in the `一 + Verb 1, 就 + Verb 2` (yī…jiù…) structure, meaning “as soon as [Verb 1] happens, [Verb 2] happens.”
It connects two actions that happen in quick succession.
2. Emphasizing Earliness or Ease
Used to show that an action happened earlier, faster, or more easily than expected. This is the direct opposite of 才 (cái).
You might use it when you finish a task quickly or arrive somewhere ahead of schedule.
3. Meaning “Only” or “Just” (indicating a small number)
When placed before a number and measure word, 就 emphasizes that the quantity is small.
It carries a feeling of “that's all” or “just this many.”
4. Adding Emphasis or Certainty (Precisely, Exactly)
Used to confirm something or add a strong sense of certainty. Often used with 是 (shì) as `就是 (jiùshì)`.
It's like saying “that's exactly it!” or “it is precisely…”
5. In Conditional Sentences (If… then…)
就 is the “then” part of an “if…then” statement. The “if” is often introduced by words like `如果 (rúguǒ)` or `要是 (yàoshi)`.
Example Sentences
Example 1: (Sequence)
我一到家，就给你打电话。
Pinyin: Wǒ yī dào jiā, jiù gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.
English: I'll call you as soon as I get home.
Analysis: This uses the classic `一…就…` pattern to show the immediate sequence of two actions: arriving home, and then calling. The call happens right after arriving.
Example 2: (Earliness)
会议九点开始，他八点半就来了。
Pinyin: Huìyì jiǔ diǎn kāishǐ, tā bā diǎn bàn jiù lái le.
English: The meeting starts at 9:00, but he came at 8:30 already.
Analysis: Here, 就 implies that his arrival at 8:30 was early. Without 就, it would just be a statement of fact. With 就, it adds the speaker's feeling that he was prompt or ahead of schedule.
Example 3: (Only/Just)
我们班就有五个学生。
Pinyin: Wǒmen bān jiù yǒu wǔ ge xuéshēng.
English: Our class only has five students.
Analysis: 就 emphasizes that the number “five” is small. It implies a sense of “that's all,” perhaps with a hint of surprise or disappointment.
Example 4: (Emphasis/Precisely)
这就是我想买的那本书。
Pinyin: Zhè jiù shì wǒ xiǎng mǎi de nà běn shū.
English: This is the exact book I want to buy.
Analysis: 就 strengthens the verb `是 (shì)`, adding emphasis. It's not just “this is the book”; it's “this is precisely/exactly the book.”
Example 5: (Conditional)
如果你喜欢，我就送给你。
Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ xǐhuān, wǒ jiù sòng gěi nǐ.
English: If you like it, then I'll give it to you.
Analysis: In this “if-then” structure, 就 introduces the result or consequence of the condition. It connects the “liking” to the “giving.”
Example 6: (Earliness/Ease)
这个问题很简单，我五分钟就做完了。
Pinyin: Zhè ge wèntí hěn jiǎndān, wǒ wǔ fēnzhōng jiù zuò wán le.
English: This problem is very simple, I finished it in just five minutes.
Analysis: 就 highlights that “five minutes” was a surprisingly short and easy amount of time to complete the task.
Example 7: (Only/Just)
我今天就吃了一个苹果。
Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān jiù chī le yí ge píngguǒ.
English: I only ate one apple today.
Analysis: This emphasizes the small quantity of food eaten. The speaker is implying that one apple is very little for the whole day.
Example 8: (Sequence/Immediacy)
他听了我的话，脸就红了。
Pinyin: Tā tīng le wǒ de huà, liǎn jiù hóng le.
English: After he heard what I said, his face immediately turned red.
Analysis: 就 shows a direct, almost instantaneous cause-and-effect relationship. Hearing the words caused the blushing.
English: The bank is right up ahead, you'll see it right away.
Analysis: Here, 就 emphasizes the location “ahead,” making it sound very close and easy to find. It's reassuring.
Example 10: (Resignation/Acceptance)
不想去就别去了。
Pinyin: Bùxiǎng qù jiù bié qù le.
English: If you don't want to go, then just don't go.
Analysis: In this context, 就 connects a preference (not wanting to go) to a logical conclusion (don't go). It can have a tone of concession or even slight impatience.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The `就 (jiù)` vs. `才 (cái)` Trap: This is the most common point of confusion for learners. They are opposites in terms of the speaker's perspective on time and difficulty.
就 (jiù): Sooner, faster, easier than expected.
`他坐飞机一个小时就到了。` (Tā zuò fēijī yí ge xiǎoshí jiù dào le.) - He took a plane and arrived in just one hour. (Wow, so fast!)
才 (cái): Later, slower, harder than expected.
`他坐火车十个小时才到。` (Tā zuò huǒchē shí ge xiǎoshí cái dào.) - He took a train and only arrived after ten hours. (Wow, so slow!)
Mistake: Using `才` when an action is considered fast/early, or `就` when it is slow/late.
Incorrect Placement:就 is an adverb and almost always comes before the verb it modifies.
Incorrect: `我吃饭就了。` (Wǒ chīfàn jiù le.)
Correct: `我就吃饭了。` (Wǒ jiù chīfàn le.) - I'll eat right now. / I ate already. (depending on context)
Overuse: Because 就 is so useful, some learners sprinkle it into every sentence. In many cases, a simple sequence of events doesn't require it. Use it when you specifically want to add the nuance of immediacy, ease, or consequence.
Related Terms and Concepts
才 (cái) - The direct counterpart to 就. It indicates that something happened later, slower, or with more difficulty than expected.
然后 (ránhòu) - A simple, neutral “and then” used to list events in chronological order without the special emphasis of 就.
于是 (yúshì) - A more formal conjunction meaning “so, therefore, thereupon,” used to show a logical result, often in written language.
一...就... (yī…jiù…) - A fixed grammar pattern meaning “as soon as… then…” that uses 就 as its core component.
如果...就... (rúguǒ…jiù…) - The standard “if… then…” conditional structure in Chinese.
就是 (jiùshì) - A very common phrase meaning “that is,” “exactly,” or used to start an explanation.
只要...就... (zhǐyào…jiù…) - A grammar pattern meaning “as long as… then…”; it shows that a condition is sufficient for a result. It contrasts with `只有…才…` (zhǐyǒu…cái…), “only if…then…”.