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

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

  • 只 要 两 块 钱,别 的 不 要。
  • 为什么 这里 只 有 一 个 女 厕所,男 厕所 呢?
  • 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 我 一 个 人 知道。
  • 你 觉得 别人 都 是 傻子 吗? 你 懂 得 多?
  • 房间 里 一 张 床,一 张 桌子。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

HSK4