就

就 is a compound ideograph formed from:

京 (서울 경) — representing a tall building or elevated structure, symbolizing height or eminence.

尤 (더욱 우) — meaning especially, exceedingly, indicating intensity or emphasis.

Together, they depict the act of ascending toward something outstanding or elevated — hence “to approach, to go to, to reach.”

The Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字) glosses it as “高也” (“high”) — referring metaphorically to rising toward a higher place or position.

Later, its semantic range broadened from physical approach to achievement, success, and immediacy, explaining its later adverbial meanings like “then” or “right away.”

就職 (취직) — to take a job, employment

就學 (취학) — to go to school, to enroll

就座 (취좌) — to take one’s seat

成就 (성취) — achievement, accomplishment

就算 (취산) — even if; suppose that

就此 (취차) — at this point; thus

In classical Chinese, 就 often described approaching a goal or attaining a position — e.g., 就事 (“to undertake an affair”), 就位 (“to take one’s post”).

Thus, it symbolized progress through action, the movement from intention to realization — a key virtue in Confucian pragmatism.

Already in pre-Qin literature, 就 functioned as a temporal or consequential adverb:

乃就之 — “then approached it.”

遂就成功 — “thus achieved success.”

This developed into its modern sense of “then / immediately / precisely.”

Philosophically, 就 reflects self-direction and initiative — the act of aligning one’s conduct with purpose.

It stands opposite to 退 (to withdraw), marking the ethical principle of advancement toward virtue or goal (就義, 就學, 就道).

Modern language and grammar:

In Mandarin and Korean Sino-words alike, 就 is one of the most frequent grammatical adverbs:

我一到家就睡覺 - (“As soon as I got home, I went to sleep.”)

就這樣 - (“Just like this.”)

這件事就算了 - (“Let’s just forget it.”)

Its conciseness and flexibility make it a bridge word expressing immediacy, emphasis, or logical transition.