just

Definitions

From Latin jūstus (conforming to law, fair) → jūs (law, right). The adjective 'just' (fair) is the original sense. The everyday adverb senses ('just now,' 'just a little') grew out of 'exactly, precisely' — being 'right on the mark' — drifting far from the legal root.

Why It Means This

The same spelling hides two very different words. The adjective 'just' = fair (a just society) is straight from jūs. The far more common adverb 'just' = only / exactly / a moment ago drifted from 'precisely right' to 'merely.' Most daily uses are the adverb; the noble 'fair' sense is now formal.

Common Collocations

• 1.just now刚刚
• 2.just a moment稍等片刻
• 3.just about几乎，差不多
• 4.just in case以防万一
• 5.a just cause正义的事业

Example Sentences

• 1.

  I've just finished my homework.

• 2.

  It's just a small misunderstanding, nothing serious.

• 3.

  That's just what I needed, thank you!

• 4.

  They are fighting for a more just society.