即 (jí)

namely; that is; i.e.; prompt; at once; at present; even if; prompted

Etymology

Depicts a kneeling person (卩) eating from a container of food (皀). Based on the original meaning "eat". The meaning later shifted to "come near", "approach", and "quickly".

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“卽,即食也。从皀,卪聲。”

Original meaning

eat

Components