Meanings of 即
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About 即
Podcast: 即
Podcast: 即
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AI Study Notes for 即
即 (jí) vs 也 (yě) — use 即 (jí) to indicate immediacy or clarification, while 也 (yě) simply means 'also'.
即 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but learners should be cautious about its placement in sentences. Common collocations include 即使 (jíshǐ - even if) and 即可 (jí kě - can immediately). Pay attention to tone as using a wrong tone can change the meaning.
即 is useful for HSK level learners as it appears in conjunction with other words to form phrases like 即使. Focus on its multiple meanings and usage in sentences to enhance your understanding and fluency.
Learners often confuse 即 with 及时 (jíshí), which means 'timely'. A common mistake is to say '即时' (jìshí) when they mean '即' (jí); the correct expression should be '即' when referring to immediacy in a context, not '即时'.
Pronunciation of 即
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Etymology of 即
Depicts a kneeling person (卩) approaching a vessel of food (皀). Based on the original meaning "come to eat", which later shifted to "approach", "be near", and "be the same".
A hungry person卩 kneeling over food 皀; compare 既
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 即
Depicts a kneeling person (卩) approaching a vessel of food (皀). Based on the original meaning "come to eat", which later shifted to "approach", "be near", and "be the same".
- 1The giveawayA hungry person卩 kneeling over food 皀; compare 既
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 即? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 即
Identify the Components
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How to say namely in Chinese
“namely” in Chinese is即
即 (jí) is a versatile character commonly used to indicate immediacy or to clarify something, often translating to 'namely' or 'that is'. It can also imply coming into contact or approaching something, making it useful in various contexts including formal writings and everyday conversations.
When to use 即
即 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but learners should be cautious about its placement in sentences. Common collocations include 即使 (jíshǐ - even if) and 即可 (jí kě - can immediately). Pay attention to tone as using a wrong tone can change the meaning.
即 or something close to it
即 (jí) vs 也 (yě) — use 即 (jí) to indicate immediacy or clarification, while 也 (yě) simply means 'also'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 即 with 及时 (jíshí), which means 'timely'. A common mistake is to say '即时' (jìshí) when they mean '即' (jí); the correct expression should be '即' when referring to immediacy in a context, not '即时'.
Write 即
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Practice writing 即 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 即
即 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
同学们____将毕业。
The students are about to graduate.
Common Confusions with 即
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "namely"?
Example Sentences for 即 (10)
Cultural Notes for 即
在古代汉语中，'即'被用来强调某种情况或条件的即时性。它常常用于文学作品中，表达及时反应或迅速行动的意义。
Word Family of 即
Compound Meaning
What does 唧 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 即
Some synonyms for 即 (jí) include '也就是' (yě jiù shì), which also means 'that is,' and '立刻' (lìkè), meaning 'immediately.' Understanding these synonyms can help you expand your vocabulary and express similar ideas in different contexts.
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