就 vs 才(jiù vs cái)
As Early As vs As Late As
Structure Pattern
Explanation
These two adverbs are direct opposites when describing how the speaker perceives the timing of an event.
1. 就 (jiù) - "Earlier than expected"
- Indicates that an action happened early, quickly, or smoothly. It is usually paired with 了 at the end of the sentence to confirm the action is complete.
- e.g., 他早上六点就起床了。(He got up as early as 6 AM.)
2. 才 (cái) - "Later than expected"
- Indicates that an action happened late, slowly, or with difficulty. It is never used with 了.
- e.g., 他晚上十点才下班。(He didn't get off work until 10 PM.)
Example Sentences
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Diànyǐng bā diǎn kāishǐ, tā qī diǎn bàn jiù lái le.
The movie starts at 8, he came as early as 7:30.
Diànyǐng bā diǎn kāishǐ, tā bā diǎn bàn cái lái.
The movie starts at 8, he didn't come until 8:30.
Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang hěn zǎo jiù shuì le.
I went to sleep very early last night.
Nǐ zěnme xiànzài cái lái?
How come you only arrived just now (so late)?
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
他晚上十点才下班了。
Correct Usage
他晚上十点才下班。
才 indicates an action happened later than expected, and inherently fights with the "completion" feeling of 了. Never use 才...了 together.
Master 就 vs 才
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