就(jiù)
The adverb 就 is used before a verb to suggest earliness, briefness, or quickness of the action.
Ex) 他明天七点就得上课。
才 is the opposite of 就. When commenting on a past action, 就 is always used with 了 to indicate promptness but 才 is never used with 了.
The adverb 就 connecting two verbs or verb phrases indicates that the second action happens as soon as the first one is completed.
Ex) 他写了信以后就去睡觉了。
The adverb 就 can heighten the close relationship between two actions or situations. In this usage, the action or situation indicated by the verb or adjective that follows 就 is usually contingent upon the action or situation denoted by the verb or action in a preceding clause. The relationship is often causal (first example) or conditional (second example).
Ex) 他喜欢持中国菜,我们就吃中国菜。
Ex) 要是你不能来,我就去你那儿。
Ex) 他明天七点就得上课。
才 is the opposite of 就. When commenting on a past action, 就 is always used with 了 to indicate promptness but 才 is never used with 了.
The adverb 就 connecting two verbs or verb phrases indicates that the second action happens as soon as the first one is completed.
Ex) 他写了信以后就去睡觉了。
The adverb 就 can heighten the close relationship between two actions or situations. In this usage, the action or situation indicated by the verb or adjective that follows 就 is usually contingent upon the action or situation denoted by the verb or action in a preceding clause. The relationship is often causal (first example) or conditional (second example).
Ex) 他喜欢持中国菜,我们就吃中国菜。
Ex) 要是你不能来,我就去你那儿。