即 (jí)

In Chinese, "即" is a versatile word that can function as an adverb, conjunction, or verb, depending on the context. Below are detailed usages of "即".

1. As an Adverb

"即" can function as an adverb, indicating immediacy or that something is happening right away. For example:

• 他即回答了我的问题。 (Tā jí huídále wǒ de wèntí.) — He answered my question right away. (lit. He immediately answered my question.)
• 她即刻出发了。 (Tā jíkè chūfāle.) — She set off immediately. (lit. She immediately set off.)

2. As a Conjunction

"即" can also function as a conjunction, indicating "namely" or "that is to say", introducing further clarification or explanation. For example:

• 他喜欢一切美好的事物，即音乐、绘画和文学。 (Tā xǐhuān yīqiè měihǎo de shìwù, jí yīnyuè, huìhuà hé wénxué.) — He likes all beautiful things, namely music, painting, and literature. (lit. He likes all beautiful things, namely music, painting, and literature.)
• 我要的是一份满意的工作，即使薪水不是很高也没关系。 (Wǒ yào de shì yīfèn mǎnyì de gōngzuò, jíshǐ xīnshuǐ bùshì hěn gāo yě méiguānxi.) — What I want is a satisfying job, that is to say, even if the salary is not very high, it doesn't matter. (lit. What I want is a satisfying job, that is to say, even if the salary is not very high, it doesn't matter.)

3. As a Verb

"即" can also function as a verb, meaning "to be in harmony with" or "to accord with". For example:

• 他的行为与他的言论即。 (Tā de xíngwéi yǔ tā de yánlùn jí.) — His actions accord with his words. (lit. His actions accord with his words.)
• 这个决定并不符合公司的利益，也不即公司的规定。 (Zhège juédìng bìng bù fúhé gōngsī de lìyì, yě bù jí gōngsī de guīdìng.) — This decision does not conform to the interests of the company, nor does it accord with the regulations of the company. (lit. This decision does not conform to the interests of the company, nor does it accord with the regulations of the company.)