就
jiù
Immediately, exactly, then, and... (adverb)
How to say “as early as” with 就 (jiù)
Subj. + Time + 就 (jiù) + Verb + 了 (le)
就 (jiù) — early action
HSK 2Adverbs
Subj. + Time + 就 (jiù) + Verb + 了 (le)
HSK 2Adverbs就 (jiù) — early action
Rule structure
就 (jiù) can indicate that an action occurred earlier than expected or that something happens quickly or easily. It often contrasts with 才 (cái), which expresses lateness.
Rule structure
就 (jiù) can indicate that an action occurred earlier than expected or that something happens quickly or easily. It often contrasts with 才 (cái), which expresses lateness.
Examples
他八点就来了。
Tā bā diǎn jiù lái le.
He came as early as eight o'clock.
他九点就走了。
Tā jiǔdiǎn jiù zǒu le.
He left as early as nine o'clock.
她七点就到了。
Tā qīdiǎn jiù dào le.
She arrived as early as seven o'clock.
Examples
他八点就来了。
Tā bā diǎn jiù lái le.
He came as early as eight o'clock.
他九点就走了。
Tā jiǔdiǎn jiù zǒu le.
He left as early as nine o'clock.
她七点就到了。
Tā qīdiǎn jiù dào le.
She arrived as early as seven o'clock.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “early action” in Chinese with 就?
Use the structure: Subj. + Time + 就 (jiù) + Verb + 了 (le). For example: 他八点就来了。 — “He came as early as eight o'clock”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他八点就来了。 — “He came as early as eight o'clock”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
就是 — emphasis with “just”
就是 (jiùshì) + Verb
就 — then
就 (jiù) + Verb Phrase
还 — still
Subj. + 还 (hái) + Verb Phrase / Adj.
再 — again in the future
再 (zài) + Verb
就要 — about to happen
(还有 (háiyǒu) + Time Period) + 就要 (jiùyào) + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
都 + time — already
都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le)
还 — and also
还 (hái) + Verb
别 — negative commands
别 (bié) + Verb