How to use the Chinese word 就

 Okay, let's explain the usage of the Chinese word 就 (jiù). It's a very common adverb with a wide range of meanings depending on the context. Its pronunciation is jiù (fourth tone).

Here are some of the main ways to use 就:

1. Indicating Promptness, Earliness, or Nearness (Soon, Already, Right Away):

就 is used to emphasize that an action happens quickly, easily, or earlier/nearer than expected. It can refer to time or spatial distance.

• Time (Early/Soon):
  • 我明天七点就起床。 (Wǒ míngtiān qī diǎn jiù qǐchuáng.)
    • I will get up at 7 o'clock tomorrow (implying this is early for me or early relative to some event).
  • 他八岁就会上网了。 (Tā bā suì jiù huì shàngwǎng le.)
    • He could use the internet already at the age of 8. (Emphasizes how early this happened).
• Speed (Quickly/Right Away):
  • 他跑得很快，一会儿就到了。 (Tā pǎo de hěn kuài, yīhuǐr jiù dào le.)
    • He runs very fast, he'll arrive in a little while. (Emphasizes the speed of arrival).
  • 你等一下，我就来。 (Nǐ děng yīxià, wǒ jiù lái.)
    • Wait a moment, I'm coming right away.

2. Emphasizing or Affirming (Precisely, Exactly, Just):

就 can be used to strongly affirm something or single out a person, thing, or situation for emphasis.

• 他就是我要找的人。 (Tā jiù shì wǒ yào zhǎo de rén.)
  • He is exactly the person I'm looking for.
• 这件T恤就是你的。 (Zhè jiàn T-xù jiù shì nǐ de.)
  • This T-shirt is definitely yours.
• 这件事就这么办吧。 (Zhè jiàn shì jiù zhème bàn ba.)
  • Let's handle this matter just like this.

3. Indicating Limitation or Exclusivity (Only, Just):

Often used after words like "只 (zhǐ - only)" or a limited quantity, 就 emphasizes that the scope is narrow or the amount is small.

• 教室里就我一个人。 (Jiàoshì lǐ jiù wǒ yī gè rén.)
  • There is only me in the classroom.
• 我只买了就两个苹果。 (Wǒ zhǐ mǎi le jiù liǎng gè píngguǒ.)
  • I only bought just two apples. (Emphasizes the small quantity).

4. Connecting Cause and Effect or Condition and Result:

就 is often used in the second part of a sentence (the result/effect clause) to indicate a direct consequence or result based on the condition or reason stated in the first part. It's frequently paired with words like 因为 (yīnwèi - because), 只要 (zhǐyào - as long as), 如果 (rúguǒ - if), etc.

• 只要努力，就会成功。 (Structure: 只要... 就...) (Zhǐyào nǔlì, jiù huì chénggōng.)
  • As long as you work hard, you will succeed.
• 如果你不去，我就也不去。 (Structure: 如果... 就...) (Rúguǒ nǐ bú qù, wǒ jiù yě bú qù.)
  • If you don't go, then I won't go either.
• 因为堵车，所以就迟到了。 (Structure: 因为... 所以... 就...) - Here 就 emphasizes the direct consequence. (Yīnwèi dǔchē, suǒyǐ jiù chí dào le.)
  • Because of the traffic jam, [I] consequently was late.

5. Suggesting or Prompting (Let's, How about...):

It can be used to suggest an action or course of action, often in a decisive or immediate way.

• 我们走吧，就现在！ (Wǒmen zǒu ba, jiù xiànzài!)
  • Let's go, right now!
• 你想吃什么？我们就吃这个吧。 (Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme? Wǒmen jiù chī zhège ba.)
  • What do you want to eat? Let's just eat this one.

6. Indicating Imminence (About to) - in the structure 就要...了:

The structure "就要 + Verb + 了" (jiù yào... le) indicates that an action is about to happen very soon.

• 火车就要开了。 (Huǒchē jiùyào kāi le.)
  • The train is about to depart.
• 天就要下雨了。 (Tiān jiùyào xià yǔ le.)
  • It's about to rain.

Important Points about 就:

• 就 is an adverb, so it is typically placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.
• 就 is generally not used with the negative adverbs 不 (bù) or 没 (méi) in the same phrase modifying the verb. For instance, you wouldn't say "他不就去". If you want to negate a sentence that might otherwise use 就, you usually negate the main verb or change the structure.
• 就 often carries a nuance of decisiveness, immediacy, limitation, or direct consequence.
• It is often contrasted with the adverb 才 (cái), which usually implies lateness, difficulty, or a large amount.

Due to its many uses and subtle nuances, mastering 就 requires practice and exposure to different contexts. Pay attention to how it's used in the sentences you read and hear.