即
then, at once (the written form of 就)
Structure
（主语） ＋ 即 ＋ 动词
What it means
Then, at once: the written cousin of 就, one syllable placed straight before the verb.
How it is built
(Subject) + 即 + verb: 接到报警后，消防部门即派出两辆消防车 (On receiving the call, the fire service at once sent two engines). Also 即可, 即生效 and 一…即… (一触即发, 一拍即合).
When to use it
Official news, rules and notices. 便 (lesson 1-25) does the same job; 即 is more formal still and the usual choice in official reports. In conversation it sounds stiff.
Watch out
✗我吃完饭即去。 ✓我吃完饭就去 (in speech). Don’t mix it up with 既 (既…又…) or 及 (and), which sound almost the same, or with A 即 B, “that is” (lesson 5-2).
Examples
接到报警后，消防部门即派出两辆消防车赶往现场。
On receiving the call, the fire service at once sent two engines to the scene.
本规定自发布之日起即生效。
These rules take effect from the day they are published.
旅客凭身份证即可进站，不需要再取纸质车票。
Passengers can enter the station with just their ID card; there is no need to collect a paper ticket.
Learn this in Lesson 120 · HSK 7–9: 定日地震 (Disaster report: the Tingri earthquake)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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