就 (jiù) - Just & only

就Tone 4

jiù ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

就 · jiù

Just;

only;

exactly;

precisely;

already;

as soon as;

then;

concerning;

with regard to;

to approach;

to undertake;

to engage in;

to accomplish;

to suit;

to fit.

Justonlyexactly

Usage highlights

Just nowExactly rightAlready doneAs soon as possibleConcerning thisAccomplish something

Synonyms

  • 便— then; thereupon
  • 即— namely; that is; immediately
  • 刚— just now; exactly

Antonyms

  • 离— leave; depart from
  • 避— avoid; evade
  • 迟— late; delayed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I'll go right now (就去).
  • That's exactly what I wanted (就是我想要的).
  • He has already finished his homework (就做完了作业).
  • As soon as you arrive, call me (你一到就给我打电话).
  • Concerning this matter(就这件事)

Collocations

  • Just now(刚才就)
  • Exactly right(就对)
  • Already done(就做)
  • As soon as possible(尽快就)
  • Concerning this(就此)
  • Accomplish something(就事)

Idioms

  • Act according to circumstances(就事论事)
  • Make do with what's available(将就)
  • Accommodate to circumstances(迁就)
  • Settle down and get established(安家就业)
  • Take advantage of an opportunity(就便)
  • Follow the natural course(就势)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used extensively in Chinese grammar as a focus marker and adverb, making it one of the most common characters in modern Chinese.
  • Historically derived from meanings of 'approach' and 'accomplish', evolving into its modern grammatical functions.
  • In classical Chinese, often meant 'to approach', 'to undertake', or 'to complete' a task or position.

FAQ