A 即 B
A, that is, B: written 就是
Structure
A 即 B
What it means
A, that is, B: a written 就是 that defines A or gives its other name.
How it is built
A + 即 + B: 春节即农历新年 (Spring Festival is the lunar New Year).
When to use it
Use it in definitions, textbooks and official writing; say 就是 in speech. 即 has two other written jobs: “at once” (立即, 即将) and “even if” (即使, 即便). 非此即彼 means “if not this, then that”.
Watch out
即 already says “is”: ✗ 春节是即农历新年 ✓ 春节即农历新年 (or 春节就是农历新年). Don’t confuse 即 (jí) with 既 (jì, already／both).
Examples
国务院即中央人民政府。
The State Council, that is, the Central People’s Government.
春节即农历新年。
Spring Festival is the lunar New Year.
Learn this in Lesson 103 · HSK 7–9: 政治体制入门 (How the political system is built)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
Open the lesson →