just
just — 名詞
1. people who live according to what is fair, honest, and morally good, considered
正義之人
道德上正直的人們
people who live according to what is fair, honest, and morally good, considered as a group
The charity works tirelessly to support the just and the needy in the community.
該慈善機構不辭辛勞地幫助社區中的正義之人和有需要的人。
plural noun, always with 'the'
Mayor Defne often said that a fair society must protect the just as well as punish the guilty.
市長 Defne 常說，一個公平的社會必須保護正義之人，同時也要懲罰有罪之人。
contrastive pattern: the just vs. the guilty
In the old folktale, the just were rewarded for their honesty while the dishonest suffered.
在那個古老的民間故事中，正義之人因其誠實而獲得回報，不誠實的人則承受了苦果。
The organisation was founded to defend the just when ordinary laws fail them.
該組織的成立是為了在一般法律無法保護正義之人時為他們辯護。
Many ancient writings promise that the just will find peace after a life of hardship.
許多古老的典籍都承諾，正義之人在經歷艱苦的一生後將得到安寧。
- the righteous
more religious in tone; used in moral or spiritual contexts
- the virtuous
emphasises personal moral excellence and good character
- the good
more general and informal; used in everyday language
- the unjust
direct opposite — those who act unfairly or dishonestly
- the wicked
stronger moral condemnation, implying evil intent
文法句型
the just + plural verb
用法筆記
This noun form is always plural and must be preceded by 'the'. It cannot refer to a single individual — use 'a just person' instead. The opposite group is 'the unjust' or 'the wicked'.
常見錯誤
just — 形容詞
1. treating people in a fair and morally right way, giving each person what they de
公正
依照道德標準公平對待每個人
treating people in a fair and morally right way, giving each person what they deserve
The judge made a just decision when she gave both sides a chance to explain.
那位法官讓雙方都有機會說明，做出了公正的判決。
attributive: just + decision / ruling
Many people believe that a just society is one where everyone has enough to live on.
許多人認為，公正的社會是每個人都擁有足夠生活資源的社會。
just + society for describing an ideal
The company's just policy gave all workers the same pay for the same work.
這家公司公平的政策讓所有員工同工同酬。
Élise felt that the punishment was just because her brother had broken a window.
Élise 認為處罰是公平的，因為她弟弟打破了窗戶。
Christopher argued that a just leader must listen to the opinions of everyone.
Christopher 主張，公正的領袖必須聆聽每個人的意見。
- fair
more common and less formal; the everyday word for equal treatment
- equitable
more formal, specifically about fair distribution or treatment of groups
- righteous
emphasises moral virtue, often in religious or ideological contexts
- impartial
focuses on not favouring one side over another, especially in judging
文法句型
just + noun (decision / society / law / system)
be + just
用法筆記
Often used before nouns such as 'decision', 'society', 'law', 'punishment', or 'system'. More formal than the common synonym 'fair'. Do not confuse this adjective with the adverb 'just', which has very different meanings (e.g., 'just now', 'just a little').
常見錯誤
just — 副詞
1. at the very moment when something is happening right now or is about to take pla
正要；剛在
表示即將、正在或剛剛發生的時間點
at the very moment when something is happening right now or is about to take place very soon.
Hoa was just about to leave for work when the power went out.
Hoa 正要出門上班時，突然停電了。
just + be about to (immediate future)
The train is just pulling into the station, so please wait a moment.
火車正要進站，請稍等一下。
just + present continuous (now)
Bilal is just stepping outside for some fresh air and will be right back.
Bilal 正要出去透透氣，他馬上就回來。
Hugo is just getting out of the shower and will be ready in five minutes.
Hugo 剛洗完澡，五分鐘後就會準備好。
- right now
more specific to the present moment rather than future or past
- presently
more formal and slightly old-fashioned
- immediately
stronger — suggests no delay at all
文法句型
just + present continuous (for now/near future)
just + be about to (for immediate future)
just + simple past (for recent past)
用法筆記
Frequently appears with continuous tenses (I am just doing…) to describe an action at the exact moment of speaking, or with be about to (I am just about to…) for an action that will happen in the next few seconds. This sense is broader than sense 2 (RECENT PAST) and sense 3 (PRESENT MOMENT); it covers the full immediate time window.
常見錯誤
2. only a very short while before the present moment — usually seconds or minutes a
剛才
不久前剛剛發生
only a very short while before the present moment — usually seconds or minutes ago, not hours or days.
Erik just finished washing the dishes, so the kitchen is still wet.
Erik 剛洗完碗，所以廚房還是溼的。
just + past simple for recent action
Karim has just called to say that he will be ten minutes late.
Karim 剛剛打電話來說他會晚到十分鐘。
just + present perfect (British style)
Soraya just heard a loud noise coming from the garage outside.
Soraya 剛才聽到車庫外面傳來一聲巨響。
Allison has just posted the photos from the trip on her blog.
Allison 剛把這次旅行的照片貼到她的部落格上。
- recently
broader — can mean hours, days, or weeks ago
- a moment ago
more explicit about the short time, but less common in everyday speech
- long ago
refers to the distant past
文法句型
just + past simple (American English)
just + present perfect (British English)
用法筆記
In British English the present perfect is preferred (I have just eaten), while American English commonly uses the simple past (I just ate). In either variety, 'just' emphasises that the time gap is very short — typically less than a few minutes. Distinguish from sense 1 (IMMEDIATE TIME), which can also express the immediate future or present.
常見錯誤
3. at this exact moment in time, used especially when someone is in the middle of d
正在
此刻正在進行某事
at this exact moment in time, used especially when someone is in the middle of doing something and may need a moment to finish.
Sana is just putting the baby to sleep, so please call her later.
Sana 正在哄寶寶睡覺，請你晚一點再打給她。
just + present continuous for an action in progress
Romi is just checking the last few numbers before she submits the report.
Romi 正在核對最後幾個數字，之後就會提交報告。
Élise is just tidying up her desk before she leaves for the day.
Élise 正在收拾辦公桌，準備下班。
Padma is just heating up some soup for lunch — would you like some too?
Padma 正在熱湯當午餐——你要不要也來一點？
- currently
more formal; does not imply the action will finish soon
文法句型
just + present continuous
用法筆記
Always takes a continuous tense (present or past), never a simple tense. The action is typically something the speaker is currently busy with and will finish soon. This sense is narrower than sense 1 (IMMEDIATE TIME) — it describes the present moment only, not the near future or recent past.
常見錯誤
4. in a way that is exactly correct or precise, with no difference or doubt.
正好；剛好
精確地、不多不少
in a way that is exactly correct or precise, with no difference or doubt.
The train arrives at just half past seven, so do not be late.
火車正好七點半到站，所以請不要遲到。
just + time expression for exactness
This blanket is just as soft as the one my grandmother made years ago.
這條毯子跟我奶奶多年前做的那條一樣柔軟。
just as + adjective + as (comparison of equality)
Felipe measured the shelf and the board was just sixty centimetres long.
Felipe 量了一下架子，那塊木板正好六十公分長。
This recipe needs just three eggs — not four, not two, but three.
這個食譜正好需要三顆蛋——不是兩顆，不是四顆，就是三顆。
- approximately
means close to but not exactly
- roughly
suggests an estimate, not precision
文法句型
just + number / time expression
just as + adjective + as
用法筆記
Common with time expressions ('just two o'clock', 'just half past three'), measurements ('just enough', 'just one metre'), and the comparative structure 'just as…as' to show that two things are equal in some way. Unlike sense 5 (ONLY), this sense emphasises exactness, not limitation.
常見錯誤
5. used to say that something is nothing more or less than what you are describing
只是；僅僅
不超過所說的範圍，用以淡化語氣
used to say that something is nothing more or less than what you are describing — often to make it seem less important or serious.
It was just a small scratch on the table — nothing serious at all.
只是桌面上刮了一道小痕跡而已——一點都不嚴重。
just + noun phrase (downplaying)
Tomás was just trying to be helpful when he offered to drive everyone home.
Tomás 只是想要幫忙，才會主動說要載大家回家。
Ziad just asked a simple question — there is no reason to get upset about it.
Ziad 只是問了一個簡單的問題，沒有理由為此不高興。
Mira was just joking when she said the cake tasted like cardboard.
Mira 只是開玩笑說蛋糕吃起來像紙板而已。
- very
adds emphasis rather than reducing it
文法句型
just + noun phrase
just + verb
just + adjective
用法筆記
Often used to soften or minimise a situation, especially in polite requests ('I was just wondering…') or apologies ('It was just a joke'). This sense is distinct from sense 6 (EMPHASIS) — sense 5 reduces the force of a statement, while sense 6 strengthens it. Compare: 'I was just asking' (minimising) versus 'Just ask her!' (urging action).
常見錯誤
6. used before a command, request, or statement to make it stronger, more urgent, o
就；儘管
用以加強命令、請求或陳述的語氣
used before a command, request, or statement to make it stronger, more urgent, or more determined.
Just tell me the truth about what happened — I will not get angry.
就跟我說實話吧——我不會生氣的。
just + imperative (urging action)
Sofie thought the performance was just wonderful, and she clapped for a long time.
Sofie 覺得表演實在太精采了，她鼓掌鼓了很久。
You must just try this chocolate cake that Allison baked this morning.
你一定要嚐嚐 Allison 今天早上烤的巧克力蛋糕。
Just imagine — a whole week at the beach with nothing to do but swim!
想像一下——整整一週在海灘上，除了游泳什麼事都不用做！
- simply
can be used in the same position, but sounds less forceful: 'Simply tell the truth.'
- absolutely
used before adjectives ('absolutely wonderful'), not imperatives
文法句型
just + imperative
just + noun phrase (exclamation)
just + statement (for emphasis)
用法筆記
Highly common in spoken English to add emotion — impatience ('Just hurry up!'), enthusiasm ('It was just amazing!'), or firm advice ('Just be yourself.'). In writing, it appears most often in dialogue, instructions, or informal messages. This sense is the opposite of sense 5 (ONLY) in its effect: sense 5 reduces the force of a statement, while this sense increases it.
常見錯誤
7. employed before a verb to make what you say seem less direct or forceful, often
不過是
緩和語氣，使不那麼直接
employed before a verb to make what you say seem less direct or forceful, often when you are making a polite request or giving an excuse
I just wanted to ask if you are free for coffee this afternoon.
我不過是想問問你今天下午有沒有空一起喝杯咖啡。
just + wanted to — polite request softener
Noa said she was just trying to help, not to cause any trouble.
Noa 說她不過是想幫忙，不是想惹麻煩。
just + trying to — soft excuse
It is just that I am not sure we have enough time to finish it.
不過是我覺得我們可能沒有足夠的時間把它做完。
Daniel just wondered if you had a moment to look over his report.
Daniel 不過是想問你有沒有空看一下他的報告。
文法句型
just + verb phrase (politeness strategy)
用法筆記
Common in first-person statements to soften requests or opinions. The alternative 'only' can sound dismissive in this context — prefer 'just' for politeness.
常見錯誤
8. achieving something or reaching a desired state with very little room to spare;
勉強；差一點
差一點就做不到，勉強達成
achieving something or reaching a desired state with very little room to spare; only narrowly managing to do something
Nikhil could just reach the top shelf if he stood on his tiptoes.
Nikhil 踮起腳尖才勉強搆到最上層的架子。
just + verb of reaching — narrow physical margin
The car just fitted into the narrow parking space between the two vans.
那輛車勉強擠進了兩輛廂型車之間的狹窄停車格。
Kemi was just in time to catch the last train before it left the station.
Kemi 及時趕上了車站即將開走的最後一班火車。
The old chair just held Valentina's weight before one leg cracked.
那張舊椅子勉強撐住了 Valentina 的重量，然後一條椅腿就裂了。
- easily
suggests no difficulty at all
- comfortably
suggests plenty of room or time
文法句型
just + verb (narrowly)
用法筆記
Position is directly before the main verb (not before an auxiliary): 'I just caught the bus' — not 'I did just catch the bus' for this sense. Compare with 'almost': 'just' means you succeeded narrowly; 'almost' means you failed narrowly.
常見錯誤
9. used with a modal verb to show that something has a small but real possibility o
也許；說不定
可能性不大但有可能
used with a modal verb to show that something has a small but real possibility of happening or being true, especially when it seems unlikely
If we hurry, we may just catch the last ferry to the island.
如果我們快一點，也許還能趕上往島上的最後一班渡輪。
may + just + verb — slight possibility
The new treatment is experimental, but it might just save her life.
這種新療法還在實驗階段，但說不定能救她的命。
Élise thought her plan could just work if everyone agreed to help.
Élise 認為如果大家都同意幫忙，她的計畫也許行得通。
With a bit of luck, we could just arrive before the ceremony starts.
如果運氣好的話，我們說不定能在典禮開始前抵達。
文法句型
modal + just + verb (possibility)
用法筆記
Must be paired with a modal verb (may, might, could) — 'just' sits between the modal and the main verb. Not used with 'will' or 'shall' for this sense. Often carries a tone of cautious hope or resigned realism.
常見錯誤
10. used to emphasize that something has a very strong quality, especially when expr
非常；簡直
用於強調程度極高
used to emphasize that something has a very strong quality, especially when expressing admiration, surprise, or strong feeling
The view from the mountaintop was just breathtaking for all of us.
山頂上的景色簡直讓我們所有人都嘆為觀止。
just + adjective of strong quality — emphatic degree
Anna said the concert was just amazing and the crowd went wild.
Anna 說那場演唱會精彩極了，全場觀眾為之瘋狂。
Auntie Mayumi said the handmade quilt was just perfect for the baby.
真由美阿姨說那條手縫拼布被對寶寶來說再完美不過了。
The ending of the film was just ridiculous — nobody believed it.
那部電影的結局簡直荒謬至極——沒有人相信。
- absolutely
stronger and more emphatic; common in both speech and writing
- truly
more formal and sincere in tone
- simply
similar emphasis but slightly less intense
文法句型
just + adjective expressing strong quality
用法筆記
Informal and more common in spoken English than in academic or formal writing. Similar in meaning to 'absolutely' or 'truly', but softer in tone. Often used with positive adjectives (wonderful, amazing, perfect) or strongly negative ones (awful, ridiculous).