就
(after a suppositional clause) in that case; then; (after a clause of action) as soon as; immediately after; (same as 就是[jiu4 shi4]) merely; nothing else but; simply; just; precisely; exactly; only; as little as; as much as; as many as; to approach; to move towards; to undertake; to engage in; (often followed by 著|着[zhe5]) taking advantage of; (of food) to go with; with regard to; concerning; (bound form) to reach; to attain (as in 一蹴而就[yi1 cu4 er2 jiu4]); (pattern: 就[jiu4] ... 也[ye3] ...) even if ... still ...; (pattern: 不[bu4] ... 就[jiu4] ...) if not ... then must be ...
Closest English meanings
just·at once·approach
The Calligrapher — Yán Zhēnqīng 颜真卿
Tang master of robust regular script; co-creator of the enduring 'Yan style'.
Tang calligrapher (709–784), master of regular script/running script — the Tang moral paragon whose upright, muscular regular script became the model of Chinese integrity in writing. Tang dynasty
Cultural Story
就 shows a hand reaching for a jar, meaning to approach or go to; the Shuowen gives to complete. One would 就 (approach) the mat to sit, and 成就 (achievement) meant bringing a task to completion. To 就业 (take employment) was to settle into a role, and 就座 (take a seat) opened a banquet hall.
Common words & phrases
- 就是 exactly · just
- 成就 achievement
- 就业 employment
- 就座 take a seat
- 将就 make do
Read the story behind the character
You say it's 就是 (exactly, just) that, and 就业 (employment) rates top the news. Guests 就座 (take a seat) for the wedding, and you 将就 (make do) with instant noodles. The word covers approach, completion, and a shrug — just — threading from ancient etiquette to a tired student's dinner.
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