Definitions
(adverb)
then; in that case
(adverb)
at once; right away; immediately
(adverb)
just; only (emphasis)
(adverb)
already; as early as
(verb)
to approach; to move towards
(verb)
to undertake; to engage in
(particle)
concerning; with regard to
About
The character "就" is structured from the components 京, representing a tall building or capital, and 尤, which can imply something outstanding or to go beyond. This composition originally conveyed the idea of moving toward or reaching a high or significant place, from which its early meanings of "to approach" or "to undertake" were derived. Over time, its sense of reaching a point evolved into signifying the completion or accomplishment of an action, giving rise to meanings such as "to accomplish" or "then and there". Further semantic extension saw it develop into a versatile adverb indicating immediacy, confirmation, or a limiting scope, as in "just then" or "precisely", while also functioning as a grammatical word to connect clauses with a sense of concession or condition. This progression from a verb of directed movement to a core adverb and connective reflects a common path of grammaticalization within the language, where a character's concrete meaning gradually broadens into more abstract and functional roles.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我马上就来。
他就喜欢这个。
他昨天就来了。
如果你来，我就去。
他一下班就回家。
这个就比那个好。
既然你同意了，我们就开始吧。
他不是不想去，就是没时间。