就

As a verb: To go to, approach, or draw near to a target; to reach a desired state or complete a process.

As an adverb: Indicates immediacy and sequence (as soon as, then), or restriction and precision (simply, merely, exactly).

Verb + Object: Typically indicates physical motion or the achievement of a state.

就 + Verb: Emphasizes either timing (immediacy) or scope (restriction/precision).

Resultative marker: Can function to suggest that one action is the natural or immediate consequence of another.

Compared to 至 (arrive) or 詣 (visit/approach), 就 often implies a specific intent or purpose behind the movement.

The glyph shows a trajectory from concrete to abstract usage. Early texts prioritize physical approach or conceptual attainment; adverbial uses denoting immediacy or restriction become more prominent in later classical periods and colloquial registers.

Avoid the English polysemy of "just." While 就 covers temporal immediacy (recently/immediately) and restriction (only), it never carries the sense of equity or righteousness (fair/just).