Chinese Grammar Bank
HOW TO USE 就是
As an adverb 就是 is always placed before predicates to intensify the tone.
Although it is mainly used to emphasise sentences, don’t look down upon this tiny phrase as it is used quite often and can make your speech all the more native!
HOW TO USE 就是 | EXPLANATION
There are two key things to note about the 就是 construction:
- Firstly, “就是” is similar to just. For example, we might say, “it’s just not right!” As you can see, it is to put an emphasis.
- Secondly, “就是” is an objective emphasis phrase. However, sometimes it suggests an intense or provocative feeling. It may also carry a flippant, stubborn tone in specific contexts interestingly enough.
It is often placed before verbs:
PATTERN
就是（+ 不）+ Verb
SAYING 就 INSTEAD OF 就是
As you may have noticed, sometimes Chinese people say “就” instead of “就是.”
It can also be placed before verbs with a similar emphatic function.
Just remember, it works as a part of “就是”, even if the “是” is invisible!
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FAQs
What is the purpose of 就是?
就是 can be used as an adverb to intensify the tone.
It’s also mainly used to emphasize sentences.
What is the 就是 structure?
就是 is often placed before verbs :
就是 + verb
If the sentence is negative :
就是（+不）+ verb
Can I just say 就 instead of 就是?
Yes you can!
就 used alone works like 就是.
For example:
我就有这一个想法。or 我就是有这一个想法。
-> I only have this idea.
How to pronounce 就是?
就是 is pronounced jiù shì.
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