jiùshì: 就是 - Exactly, That Is, Just, Simply

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• Summary: An essential and highly versatile Chinese word, 就是 (jiùshì) is far more than a simple “is”. It acts as a powerful tool for emphasis, clarification, and connection in conversation. Understanding 就是 allows you to say “that's *exactly* it!”, make a concession like “the food is great, *it's just that*…”, or even express a touch of stubbornness. This guide will break down the core meanings, practical uses, and common mistakes associated with 就是, transforming your Chinese from basic statements to nuanced, authentic expression.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiùshì
• Part of Speech: Adverb / Conjunction
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A versatile function word used to emphasize, define, clarify, or connect ideas, often translating to “exactly,” “that is,” “just,” or “even if.”
• In a Nutshell: Think of 就是 as a spotlight in a Chinese sentence. It can shine on a word to mean “*This* is the one I'm talking about,” adding a layer of certainty or emphasis that the simple “is” (是, shì) lacks. It's also used to connect ideas, often to introduce a small problem or a condition (“It's great, it's just that…”). It can give your speech a feeling of definiteness, directness, and sometimes even a bit of friendly pushback. Mastering 就是 is a key step toward sounding more natural in daily conversation.

• 就 (jiù): This character fundamentally means “to move toward” or “to approach.” It often functions grammatically to indicate immediacy (“then,” “right away”) or to single something out (“with regard to this,” “just”). It adds a sense of focus and specificity.
• 是 (shì): This is the fundamental character for “to be,” “is,” “am,” “are.” It's a simple, direct confirmation of existence or a state of being.
• When combined, 就是 (jiùshì) literally means something like “to specifically be” or “to emphatically be.” The focusing power of 就 amplifies the simple affirmation of 是, creating a word that means “exactly is” or “precisely is.”

While 就是 doesn't carry the same deep cultural weight as terms like 关系 (guānxi) or 面子 (miànzi), its usage reveals a lot about Chinese communication styles. Its primary function is to create emphasis and clarity, reflecting a conversational value of being direct and understood without ambiguity. When someone says, “这就是问题 (zhè jiùshì wèntí),” they are not just saying “This is the problem”; they are pinpointing it, cutting through uncertainty to say, “*This right here* is the problem.” Interestingly, 就是 can also be used as a conversational filler, similar to “like,” “you know,” or “well…” in English. However, it often has a slightly more assertive tone. Where an English speaker might say, “Well, um, I think we should reconsider,” a Chinese speaker might say, “我感觉…就是…我们应该再想想 (Wǒ gǎnjué… jiùshì… wǒmen yīnggāi zài xiǎng xiǎng).” Here, 就是 isn't just a pause; it's holding the floor while formulating a specific point or gentle counter-argument. It bridges the gap between hesitation and assertion.

就是 is ubiquitous in daily life. Here are its main functions:

• 1. To Emphasize or Confirm (Exactly, Precisely)
  • Used to strongly agree with someone or to point out something with certainty. It's the verbal equivalent of pointing a finger and saying “That's the one!”
  • “This is exactly the place I was talking about.”
• 2. To Introduce a Concession or Contrast (It's just that…, But…)
  • This is an extremely common pattern. You start with a positive or neutral statement, then use 就是 to introduce a drawback or contrasting point.
  • “This phone is great, it's just that the battery life is a bit short.”
• 3. To Express Insistence or Stubbornness (Just)
  • When you want to assert your position firmly, often against opposition or advice. It adds a strong “I will” or “I won't” flavor.
  • “I just don't want to go, and that's final!”
• 4. To Define or Clarify (That is, Is)
  • Used to provide a definition or a more emphatic statement of being. It's stronger than a simple 是 (shì).
  • “Patience is a virtue.”
• 5. Conditional (Even if)
  • In this structure, 就是 means “even if,” setting up a hypothetical situation. It's often followed by 也 (yě).
  • “Even if you apologize, I won't forgive you.”

• Example 1: (Emphasis)
  • A: 这家餐厅的菜好吃吗？(Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài hǎochī ma?)
  • B: 好吃！我上次推荐的就是这家！(Hǎochī! Wǒ shàngcì tuījiàn de jiùshì zhè jiā!)
  • Pinyin: A: Is the food at this restaurant good? B: Delicious! This is exactly the one I recommended last time!
  • Analysis: Here, B is using 就是 to confirm with strong emphasis that this is the very same restaurant they previously mentioned.
• Example 2: (Concession / Contrast)
  • 这件衣服很好看，就是有点儿贵。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn hǎokàn, jiùshì yǒudiǎnr guì.
  • English: This piece of clothing is very good-looking, it's just that it's a bit expensive.
  • Analysis: This is a classic structure for giving a nuanced opinion. It softens the negative point by leading with a positive one.
• Example 3: (Insistence / Stubbornness)
  • 别劝我了，我就是不去！
  • Pinyin: Bié quàn wǒ le, wǒ jiùshì bú qù!
  • English: Stop trying to persuade me, I just won't go!
  • Analysis: The 就是 here adds a strong sense of defiance and finality. It's not a neutral statement of intent; it's a declaration.
• Example 4: (Definition)
  • 什么是幸福？幸福就是和家人在一起。
  • Pinyin: Shénme shì xìngfú? Xìngfú jiùshì hé jiārén zài yìqǐ.
  • English: What is happiness? Happiness is being together with family.
  • Analysis: Using 就是 here makes the definition feel more profound and personal than a simple 是 (shì).
• Example 5: (Conditional / “Even if”)
  • 你就是现在跑着去，也来不及了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ jiùshì xiànzài pǎozhe qù, yě láibují le.
  • English: Even if you run there now, you still won't make it in time.
  • Analysis: 就是 sets up a hypothetical condition. The structure is often “就是… 也 (yě)…”, meaning “even if… still…”.
• Example 6: (Clarification / “That is to say”)
  • 他今天没来开会，就是说，他不同意这个计划。
  • Pinyin: Tā jīntiān méi lái kāihuì, jiùshì shuō, tā bù tóngyì zhège jìhuà.
  • English: He didn't come to the meeting today, which is to say, he doesn't agree with this plan.
  • Analysis: The phrase 就是说 (jiùshì shuō) is a set phrase used to draw a conclusion or clarify the meaning of a previous statement.
• Example 7: (Identifying a cause)
  • 我今天迟到了，就是因为早上堵车太严重了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān chídào le, jiùshì yīnwèi zǎoshang dǔchē tài yánzhòng le.
  • English: I was late today, it's precisely because the traffic jam this morning was too serious.
  • Analysis: 就是 is used here to pinpoint the exact reason for being late, adding more emphasis than simply saying “因为 (yīnwèi)”.
• Example 8: (Expressing a minor complaint)
  • 你这个人什么都好，就是太马虎了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhège rén shénme dōu hǎo, jiùshì tài mǎhu le.
  • English: You're a great person in every way, it's just that you're too careless.
  • Analysis: Similar to the concession usage, this is a common, gentle way to offer friendly criticism.
• Example 9: (Simple confirmation in dialogue)
  • A: 你是新来的同事吗？(Nǐ shì xīn lái de tóngshì ma?)
  • B: 就是。我叫李明。( Jiùshì. Wǒ jiào Lǐ Míng.)
  • Pinyin: A: Are you the new colleague? B: That's right. My name is Li Ming.
  • Analysis: In short replies, 就是 can be a standalone response meaning “Yes, that's it,” or “Exactly.” It's more emphatic than a simple “是 (shì)”.
• Example 10: (Conversational filler)
  • 我觉得这个想法……嗯……就是……可行性不高。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juéde zhège xiǎngfǎ… ēn… jiùshì… kěxíngxìng bù gāo.
  • English: I think this idea… umm… it's just that… the feasibility isn't high.
  • Analysis: Here, 就是 is used as a pause to gather thoughts before presenting a slightly negative or critical point.

• Mistake 1: Overusing 就是 instead of 是 (shì)
  • This is the most common error for learners. 是 (shì) is for neutral, factual statements. 就是 (jiùshì) adds emphasis.
  • Incorrect: 我就是一个学生。(Wǒ jiùshì yí ge xuéshēng.)
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds overly defensive, as if someone just accused you of not being a student. It means “I *am* a student (and nothing else / why would you doubt it?)”.
  • Correct: 我是一个学生。(Wǒ shì yí ge xuéshēng.) (I am a student.)
• Mistake 2: Confusing 就是 with other types of “just”
  • English “just” is very flexible. 就是 only covers the emphatic or “it's just that” meanings.
  • For “only”: Don't use 就是. Use 只有 (zhǐyǒu).
    • I just have 10 dollars. → 我只有十块钱。(Wǒ zhǐyǒu shí kuài qián.)
  • For “a moment ago”: Don't use 就是. Use 刚才 (gāngcái).
    • He just left. → 他刚才走了。(Tā gāngcái zǒu le.)

• 是 (shì) - The neutral version of “to be.” 就是 is the emphatic or specific version of 是.
• 只是 (zhǐshì) - Means “only” or “it's just that.” It's very similar to the concessive use of 就是, but often puts more focus on the limitation.
• 就是说 (jiùshì shuō) - A set phrase meaning “that is to say,” or “in other words.” Used for clarification.
• 即使 (jíshǐ) - A more formal conjunction for “even if,” synonymous with the conditional usage of 就是.
• 反正 (fǎnzhèng) - “Anyway,” “in any case.” Often used with a similar feeling of insistence or stating a final conclusion as the stubborn usage of 就是.
• 才 (cái) - An adverb used for emphasis, often indicating something is conditional or happened later than expected. It forms a contrasting pair with the 就 (jiù) in 就是.
• 简直 (jiǎnzhí) - “Simply,” “practically.” Used for strong emphasis or exaggeration, often in exclamations. It's more about hyperbole, whereas 就是 is more about precision and focus.