就

• Pinyin: jiù
• Hanzi breakdown: 就 = 京 (capital, phonetic) + 尤 (especially) — approaching something, hence 'then' or 'right away'

Meaning

Then; just; right away. An adverb indicating immediacy, emphasis, or a natural consequence.

One of the most versatile and common adverbs in Chinese. Key patterns: expressing quickness (他很快就来了 = he came quickly), emphasis (我就要这个 = I want exactly this one), and consequence (你学了就会了 = once you learn it, you'll know it). Always placed before the verb.

Examples

1. 我吃了饭就去学校。 I'll go to school right after eating.
2. 他很快就来了。 He came very quickly.
3. 我就要这个。 I want exactly this one.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emphasis

Tone: conversational

Do Say

• 我马上就来。(I'll come right away.)
• 吃了饭就走吧。(Let's go right after eating.)

Don't Say

• 就我去了学校。(就 must go before the verb, not the subject — say 我就去了学校)

Origin & History

Originally related to the idea of approaching or arriving at something. Over time, the meaning expanded to indicate immediacy and natural consequence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal