HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#81
Comparing “cái” and “jiù”
才 vs 就
How it works
Both can relate to time or amount, but the feeling is different.
The difference
才 can mark a late time or a smaller amount than expected. 就 can mark an early time, but it can also mean “only” when limiting an amount. In the final pair below, both sentences limit the reading to two pages.
Example sentences
他八点才来。
He did not come until eight.
他八点就来了。
He came as early as eight.
我才看了两页。 / 我就看了两页。
I have only read two pages. / I read just two pages.
Usage note
This contrast is very important and often tested in usage.