Connective Adverb: 就 (jiù)
关联副词：就
Master the multiple meanings of 就 as a connective adverb: sequence, emphasis, and immediacy
就 is placed before the verb and connects to a preceding condition, time, or context. Its meaning shifts depending on what comes before it.
就 is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in Chinese. At HSK 2, focus on three core meanings: (1) then / right after, (2) as early as, (3) emphasis / insistence.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Connective Adverb: 就 (jiù) (关联副词：就)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 关联副词：就 pattern
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Understanding 关联副词：就
就 is the Swiss Army knife of Chinese adverbs. It appears everywhere and means different things depending on context. First meaning: "then" or "right after" — it connects two events in sequence. 吃完饭就走 means "leave right after eating." The 就 shows the second action follows quickly. Second meaning: "as early as" — it emphasizes something happened sooner than expected. 他六点就起床了 means "He got up as early as six." Third meaning: emphasis or insistence — 我就不去 means "I simply will not go" with a stubborn tone. Learning to read context for 就 is a milestone in Chinese — it separates intermediate learners from beginners.
Key Points
- 就 meaning "then / right after": connects sequential actions — 下课就回家 (go home right after class).
- 就 meaning "as early as": emphasizes earliness — 他八岁就会做饭 (He could cook at just eight years old).
- 就 meaning emphasis/insistence: 我就要这个 (I want this one and no other).
- 就 often pairs with 一……就……: 一到家就吃饭 (as soon as I get home, I eat).
- 就 contrasts with 才: 就 = sooner than expected, 才 = later than expected.
- 就 can soften: 就是 = "it is just that…" (introducing a minor complaint).
- Word order: 就 always goes BEFORE the verb, after the subject and any time/condition phrase.
Chinese children often use 就 for stubborn insistence: 我就要！(I want it and that is final!). Adults use it more subtly, but the emphatic 就 is everywhere in daily life — 就这样吧 (Let us just leave it at that).
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他吃完饭就走了。
He left right after eating.
Sequential — one action immediately follows another
他六岁就会游泳了。
He could already swim at age six.
Emphasis on earliness
我就不告诉你。
I simply will not tell you.
Stubborn emphasis
一下课我就去找你。
As soon as class ends, I will come find you.
他三天就学会了。
He learned it in just three days.
Faster than expected
就这样吧。
Let us just leave it at that.
你说去就去吧。
If you say go, then go.
Common Mistakes
If you want to emphasize he left QUICKLY after eating, use 就. 才 would imply he left LATE or only after a long wait.
就 goes AFTER the time/age phrase and BEFORE the verb: 六岁就会.
In the 一……就…… pattern, the subject goes before 一, not after: 他一来就……
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
When you see 就, ask yourself: is this about sequence (then), time (early), or attitude (insistence)?
The 一……就…… pattern is incredibly useful. Practice with your routine: 一起床就刷牙, 一到公司就开会.
就 vs. 才 is a key distinction: 就 = sooner/faster than expected, 才 = later/slower than expected.
Try using 就这样吧 to wrap up conversations naturally — it is a very common expression.
就是 as "it is just that" is a great conversation filler: 就是有点儿贵 (It is just a bit expensive).
Homework
Write ten sentences using 就 in different meanings: four sentences showing sequence (then), three showing earliness (as early as), and three showing emphasis or insistence. Include at least two sentences using 一……就…….