Chinese Character: 就
1. Character Basics
Radical: 亠/tóu (表示覆盖、上部)
Stroke Count: 12
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiù (fourth tone)
3. Meaning
just, only, at once, right away, to approach, to accomplish, to go to, to take up, to rely on
4. Common Words
- 就是 (jiù shì) - exactly, precisely, that's it
- 就会 (jiù huì) - will, be able to
- 成就 (chéng jiù) - achievement, accomplishment
- 就业 (jiù yè) - employment, to get a job
- 就近 (jiù jìn) - nearby, close to
- 就算 (jiù suàn) - even if, granted that
5. Grammar & Usage
As an adverb: To indicate immediacy, e.g., 我就来 (I'm coming right away)
To indicate emphasis: 就是你 (it's exactly you)
To indicate "only": 就三个人 (only three people)
In the structure "一...就...": 一听到消息就跑来了 (ran over as soon as heard the news)
As a verb: 就业 (get a job), 就学 (start school)
6. Cultural Background
"就" is one of the most frequently used characters in Chinese
It reflects the Chinese cultural value of prompt action and efficiency
In traditional philosophy, "就" can imply harmony and conformity with natural principles
The character is often used in idioms and proverbs to express logical relationships
In daily communication, "就" helps to soften requests and make speech more natural
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 我就吃了一个苹果。
Pinyin: Wǒ jiù chī le yī gè píngguǒ.
Translation: I only ate one apple.
8. Memory Tips
The character 就 consists of 京 (jīng - capital) and 尤 (yóu - especially)
Think of going to the capital (京) for something important or special (尤)
The character has 12 strokes
Notice that 就 is similar in pronunciation to 旧 (jiù) and 救 (jiù), but has a different meaning and structure
Remember the phrase "就是" (jiù shì) which is commonly used to mean "exactly" or "that's it"