就是

• Pinyin: jiù shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 就 = 京 (capital) + 尤 (especially), meaning to approach or precisely; 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (foot), meaning to be or correct

Meaning

Precisely; exactly; even if. Used to emphasise identity, express 'that is to say,' or introduce a concession meaning 'even if.'

Has multiple functions: (1) emphatic confirmation, as in 这就是我要的 (this is exactly what I want); (2) to express 'the only thing is' when introducing a minor flaw, as in 就是有点贵 (it's just a bit expensive); (3) concessive 'even if,' as in 就是下雨我也去 (even if it rains, I'll still go).

Examples

1. 这就是我一直在找的书。 This is exactly the book I've been looking for.
2. 这个地方什么都好，就是太远了。 This place is great in every way — it's just too far.
3. 就是再忙，也要吃早饭。 Even if you're busy, you should still eat breakfast.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, concession, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我要找的人就是你。(The person I'm looking for is precisely you.)
• 东西不错，就是贵了点。(The stuff is good — it's just a bit pricey.)

Don't Say

• 我就是很好。(Awkward as a standalone statement — 就是 needs context to emphasise or contrast. Say 我很好 simply, or use 就是 with contrast: 我就是觉得很好.)

Origin & History

Compound of 就 (then, precisely, to approach) and 是 (to be). Together they form an emphatic marker meaning 'precisely is' or 'exactly is.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal