就是...
Reach for this when you want to say 'it is precisely/exactly that...' — flagging something as the definitive answer, point, or definition. '我喜欢的就是这个.' (THIS is exactly what I like.) Different from the bigger X 就是 Y defining pattern: standalone 就是 at the head of a phrase pins down 'this and only this is the thing.' It carries weight; speakers use it to land an answer firmly.
Structure
就是 [THE THING IN QUESTION]
jiùshì...
How to Think About It
就是 narrows the spotlight to a single answer. 是 alone says 'is'; 就是 says 'is, precisely, no other possibility.' It often answers an unspoken or just-asked question — 'who, which, what?' — and slams the door on alternatives. In casual speech you can use it as a one-word affirmation ('就是!') meaning 'exactly, totally agree.'
Examples
我想要的就是这本书。
Wǒ xiǎng yào de jiùshì zhè běn shū.
This is exactly the book I want.
问题就是钱不够。
Wèntí jiùshì qián bú gòu.
The problem is simply that there isn't enough money.
他就是我说的那个人。
Tā jiùshì wǒ shuō de nàge rén.
He's exactly the person I was talking about.
Common Mistake
Learners scatter 就是 anywhere they want emphasis, but it specifically marks PRECISION/EXCLUSIVITY ('exactly this, nothing else'). Using it just to mean 'also' or 'and' makes the sentence read awkwardly.
我喜欢苹果, 就是香蕉。
我喜欢苹果, 也喜欢香蕉。
Don't Confuse With
X 就是 Y (defining)
When 就是 sits BETWEEN two phrases ('term 就是 explanation'), it's the inline-definition pattern. When it sits at the START of a phrase ('就是这个'), it emphasizes that this is the precise/only answer. Same word, two flavors.
正是 / 恰恰是
正是/恰恰是 carry the same 'exactly this' meaning but in a formal/written register. '这正是问题所在' (This is exactly the problem) is essay-style; '就是这个问题' is conversational.
只是
只是 means 'merely / only' — it diminishes ('it's just a small problem'). 就是 emphasizes ('it's precisely this problem'). Opposite vibes — don't swap them.
Practice
我喜欢的 ___ 这种音乐。
Show answer
就是
问题 ___ 时间太少。
Show answer
就是
Put in order: [就是 / 朋友 / 他 / 最好的 / 我的]
Show answer
他就是我最好的朋友。
Translate to Chinese: 'This is exactly what I wanted.'
Show answer
这就是我想要的。
Identify your favorite thing using 就是.
Show answer
Example answer: 我最喜欢的城市就是上海。 (My favorite city is Shanghai.)
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 12 Fluentide episodes:
公司就是很多人一起工作的地方。
公司就是很多人一起工作的地方。
公司就是很多人一起工作的地方。
Related Grammar Patterns
Acquire by listening
Hear 就是... in real Chinese, not in a textbook.
Fluentide picks the next news episode at your level, so this pattern shows up again and again in real context. The transcript marks it, the audio drills it. Free to start, no card.