就 (jiù)

(after a suppositional clause) in that case; then; (after a clause of

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 京 represents the meaning and 尤 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "high place". The meaning of this character has shifted over time and now means "achieve".

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“就,就高也。从京,从尤。尤,異於凡也。,籀文就。”

Original meaning

high place

Components