Mastering “就” (jiù) in Chinese Grammar: Usage & Examples

Understanding “就” (jiù) in Chinese Grammar

The Chinese character “就” (jiù) is widely used and carries multiple meanings depending on the context. Mastering its different usages can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension in Chinese. Below is a breakdown of the five most common meanings of 就 with examples.

“就” Meaning “Only” or “Just”

In informal contexts, “就” (jiù) can emphasize that the amount or situation is limited.

Example:

• Chinese: 我就两个朋友。
• Pinyin: Wǒ jiù liǎng gè péngyǒu.
• Translation: I only have two friends.

In this case, “就” emphasizes limitation, meaning the speaker thinks having only two friends is a small number.

 “就” Indicating Immediate Succession

“就” (jiù) is frequently used to show that one action happens immediately after another.

Example:

• Chinese: 吃完了我就回家了。
• Pinyin: Chī wán le wǒ jiù huí jiā le.
• Translation: I ate, then I went home.

Here, “就” links the two actions together, emphasizing that going home happened right after eating.

“就” for Affirmation or Emphasis

“就” (jiù) can also be used to emphasize determination or insistence on an action.

Example:

• Chinese: 我就是不吃。
• Pinyin: Wǒ jiù shì bù chī.
• Translation: I definitely won’t eat.

In this sentence, “就” adds strong emphasis, reinforcing the speaker’s firm decision not to eat.

“就” Conveying “Early” or “As Soon As”

“就” (jiù) can indicate that an action occurred earlier than expected.

Example:

• Chinese: 她十八岁就大学毕业了。
• Pinyin: Tā shíbā suì jiù dàxué bìyè le.
• Translation: She graduated from university at eighteen.

Here, “就” suggests that graduating at eighteen is unusually early.

“就” Expressing Indifference

“就” (jiù) can also show indifference or a lack of concern about a situation.

Example:

• Chinese: 不吃就不吃。
• Pinyin: Bù chī jiù bù chī.
• Translation: If you don’t want to eat, then don’t.

In this sentence, “就” conveys a sense of resignation or indifference to another person’s decision.

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