就 (right, exactly)
right (there), exactly, just
Structure
主语 + 就 + 在／是 …… · 就 + 动词 + 这个
What it means
Before 在 or 是, 就 adds stress: “right, exactly”. 就在对面 “right opposite”, 就是他 “it’s him, that one”.
How it is built
Subject + 就 + 在／是 …: 银行就在广场对面 (The bank is right across the square). For a quick choice: 就 + verb + 这个: 就买这件吧 (Let’s just get this one).
When to use it
Use it in directions and to point things out. 就 has many jobs: in h2-8 it meant “as early as” (六点就起床了). Here it stresses the place or person.
Watch out
就 goes after the subject, before the verb. ✗ 就银行在那儿。 ✓ 银行就在那儿。
Examples
银行就在广场对面。
The bank is right across the square.
洗手间就在你后面。
The toilet is right behind you.
我家就在学校旁边。
My home is right next to the school.
就买这件吧！
Let’s just get this one!
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 11: 一直往东走 (Directions in the city)
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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