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就

HSK 2
  • Other

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject就Verb/Verb phrase

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Adverb 就 is used to emphasize that something happens immediately, sooner than expected, or to introduce a conclusion.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

The adverb 就 (jiù) has many uses, but they all essentially serve to emphasize some kind of connection. Depending on context, it can be understood as "then," "right away," "immediately," or "is exactly/right."

  • Expresses an action that occurs immediately after another action, or sooner than expected. For example, 下课了我就回家 (As soon as class ends, I'll go straight home).
  • Emphasizes certainty or affirmation. For example, 前面就是我家 (Right ahead is my house).
  • Expresses a condition-result relationship. For example, 只要你来，我就高兴 (As long as you come, I'll be happy).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 我吃完饭就走。
    繁: 我吃完飯就走。Wǒ chī wán fàn jiù zǒu.

    I will eat and leave right away.

  2. 他八点就到公司了。
    繁: 他八點就到公司了。Tā bā diǎn jiù dào gōngsī le.

    He had already arrived at the company by 8 o'clock.

  3. 前面就是银行。
    繁: 前面就是銀行。Qiánmiàn jiù shì yínháng.

    Right ahead is the bank.

  4. 你不说我就不问。
    繁: 你不說我就不問。Nǐ bù shuō wǒ jiù bù wèn.

    If you don't say anything, I won't ask.

  5. 我就只有一个哥哥。
    繁: 我就只有一個哥哥。Wǒ jiù zhǐ yǒu yí ge gēge.

    I only have one older brother.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我九点上班，他十点就来了。
    Correct:我九点上班，他十点才来。

    就 is used for things that happen early or quickly. 才 is used for things that happen late or slowly. 10 o'clock is late compared to 9 o'clock, so 才 must be used.

  • Wrong:我就八点到学校了。
    Correct:我八点就到学校了。

    就 is an adverb that must come before the verb (到), not before a time phrase (八点).