Expressing "small quantity" with "jiu"

就 (jiù) is often translated simply as "just", but there are some nuances to how it is used.

Structure with 就 meaning "only have"

就(jiù)can mean "only have".

Subject + 就 + a few things or persons

Examples

  • 两 块 钱。jiù liǎng kuài qián.I only have two kuai.
  • 为什么 这里 一 个 厕所 呢?Wèishéme zhèlǐ jiù yīgè cèsuǒ ne?Why does this place only have bathroom ?
  • 我 在 上海 两个 朋友。Wǒ zài shànghǎi jiù liǎng gè péngyǒu.I only have two friends in Shanghai.

When there are other verbs in this structure,you need to put it right after 就(jiù).

Subject + 就 + Verb.+a few things or persons

Examples

  • 认识 一个。jiù liǎng kuài qián.I only have two kuai.

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". It is often paired with 一个 or something like that.

就 + single things or persons

Examples

  • 这 件 事 我 一 个 人 知道。Zhè jiàn shì jiù wǒ yīgè rén zhīdào.I'm the only person that knows about this.
  • 你 觉得 别人 都 是 傻子 吗? 你 懂 得 多?Nǐ juédé biérén dōu shì shǎzi ma? Jiù nǐ dǒngdé duō?Do you think every one is an idiot? That only you understand well?
  • 房间 里 一 张 床,一 张 桌子。Fángjiān lǐ jiù yī zhāng chuáng, yī zhāng zhuōzi.There's only one bed and one table in the room.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

HSK4