Preposition: 就 (Regarding / About)
介词：就
Use 就 as a formal preposition meaning "regarding" or "with respect to" a topic
Place 就 before the topic or issue under discussion. The verb phrase that follows describes what action is taken regarding that topic. This usage is formal and common in written Chinese, speeches, and official contexts.
就 as a preposition meaning "regarding" is distinct from its many other functions (adverb meaning "then/just," conjunction, etc.). This usage is marked by a formal topic + formal verb pattern.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 就 (Regarding / About) (介词：就)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词：就 pattern
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Understanding 介词：就
You already know 就 as one of Chinese's most versatile words — as an adverb meaning "then," "just," or "exactly." But at the advanced level, you encounter 就 in a completely different role: as a preposition meaning "regarding," "concerning," or "with respect to." This usage is formal and commonly found in written Chinese, news reports, academic writing, official speeches, and business contexts. When you say 他已就这个问题做了检讨, the 就 functions exactly like 关于 or 对于 — it introduces the topic being addressed. The key to recognizing this usage is the formal context and the verbs that follow: 做检讨 (make a self-criticism), 发表声明 (issue a statement), 进行讨论 (conduct a discussion), 提出意见 (raise opinions). These are formal, weighty actions applied to formal topics. In casual speech, you would use 关于 or 对于 instead, but in writing and formal discourse, 就 is more concise and elegant.
Key Points
- 就 (jiù) as a preposition = "regarding / concerning / with respect to" — formal register.
- Different from 就 as an adverb ("then / just") — context and sentence structure distinguish them.
- Commonly paired with formal verbs: 做检讨, 发表声明, 进行讨论, 提出建议, 做出回应.
- Interchangeable with 关于 or 对于 in most cases, but more concise.
- Primarily used in written Chinese, news, official statements, and academic discourse.
- The topic after 就 is usually a specific issue, problem, or question.
This usage of 就 is a hallmark of formal Chinese — you will encounter it constantly in news articles, government statements, and business correspondence. Mastering it signals advanced literacy and the ability to navigate formal registers.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他已就这个问题做了检讨。
He has already made a self-criticism regarding this issue.
Formal: 就 = regarding
我想就如何找到自己满意的工作这个问题来谈一谈。
I would like to discuss the question of how to find a job you are satisfied with.
双方就合作事宜进行了深入讨论。
Both sides conducted in-depth discussions regarding cooperation matters.
News/diplomatic language
政府就此事发表了声明。
The government issued a statement regarding this matter.
专家们就环境保护问题提出了建议。
Experts put forward suggestions regarding environmental protection.
我们就下一步的计划达成了共识。
We reached a consensus regarding the next steps of the plan.
Common Mistakes
Prepositional 就 requires a formal verb of discussion or action (谈, 讨论, 发表), not a simple adjective or casual verb like 喜欢.
Prepositional 就 is used in formal contexts with formal verbs. Casual observations about weather do not fit this structure.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
If you see 就 followed by a topic noun and then a formal verb (讨论, 发表, 提出, 达成), it is the prepositional "regarding" usage.
This 就 is a shortcut for 关于 — use it to sound more concise and formal in writing.
Practice reading Chinese news — you will see this 就 constantly in diplomatic and business reporting.
When writing essays or formal emails, try replacing 关于 with 就 to elevate your register.
Homework
Find three news headlines or sentences from Chinese media that use 就 as "regarding." Then write three of your own formal sentences: one about a business meeting, one about a government policy, and one about an academic discussion.