Expressing "small quantity" with "jiu"
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就 is often translated as simply "just", but there are some nuances to how it is used
Contents
Structure with 就 meaning "only have"
就 can mean "only, or only have". When using it you can add 只 and 只有, or you can leave it out. When using it you can add 只 and 只有, or you can leave it out.
Subject + 就 + (只) + Verb
Examples
- 我 就 只 要 两 块 钱，别 的 不 要。
- 为什么 这里 就 只 有 一 个 女 厕所，男 厕所 呢？
- 我 就 认识 一 个 中国 人。
Structure with 就 meaning "just one"
就 can also be used to express one person or thing, similar to how we say in English "just one person" or "just one left".
就 + single things or persons
Examples
- 这 件 事 就 我 一 个 人 知道。
- 你 觉得 别人 都 是 傻子 吗？就 你 懂 得 多？
- 房间 里 就 一 张 床，一 张 桌子。
See also
- Comparing "cai" and "jiu"
- Events in quick succession with "yi... jiu"
- Expressing earliness with "jiu"
- Expressing indifference with "jiu"
- Limiting Scope with "jiu"
- "If…, then…" with "ruguo…, jiu…"
Sources and further reading
Books
Dictionaries
- 现代汉语词典（第5版） (p. 733) →buy
