即

jí

promptly, quickly, immediately; to approach; namely; then

Meaning

  • To approach, go to, or reach a destination or state.
  • Immediacy: occurring without delay ("at that very moment").
  • Identity and Equivalence: "is," "namely," or "that is to say."

Grammar and usage

  • Verbal: Functions as a transitive verb of approach (e.g., 即位, ascending a throne).
  • Adverbial: Marks precise timing or the transition from one state to another in a tight sequence.
  • Connective/Copula: Asserts identity between two nouns; serves as the "then" in conditional constructions, signaling an inevitable or immediate consequence (even if the initial conditional marker is implied).

Distinctions

  • 即 vs 及: While both involve "reaching," 及 typically refers to catching up to something, reaching a limit, or extending to a certain point. 即 focuses on the act of approaching or the transition between states.

History and forms

  • The form 卽 is a semantic variant and is interchangeable with 即 in all translation contexts.

Translator notes

  • When used adverbially, the glyph may denote precise timing ("at that very moment") rather than mere speed ("quickly").

Decontextualized translator aid. This page describes plausible lexical range; it does not choose what the glyph means in a particular passage.