即（＝就）
then; at once (the written 就); 即可 means 就可以
Structure
条件／先做的事 ， 即 ＋ 结果 · 即可 ＝ 就可以
What it means
The written 就 meaning “then, at once”: links a condition or first action to what follows. 即可 = 就可以.
How it is built
Condition or first action，即 + verb: 文物一经损坏，即无法复原 (once damaged, a relic can never be restored). Frames: 一…即…, 一经…即…, 一旦…即….
When to use it
Notices, instructions and formal writing; in conversation say 就. 即可 is the stock phrase of instructions: 扫码即可入场, 三分钟后即可食用.
Watch out
It does not do 就’s other jobs: ✗ 我即不去 ✓ 我就不去; ✗ 即他一个人 ✓ 就他一个人. Not 既 (jì, pairs with 又). A 即 B means “A is B”: 藏经洞即第17窟.
Examples
游客提前在网上预约，到时扫码即可入场。
Visitors book online in advance and on the day simply scan a code to get in.
文物一经损坏，即无法复原。
Once a relic is damaged it can never be restored.
加入开水，盖上盖子，三分钟后即可食用。
Add boiling water, put the lid on, and it is ready to eat in three minutes.
Learn this in Lesson 236 · HSK 9+: 敦煌 (Dunhuang: the Mogao Caves)
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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