German word

just

Pronunciation

IPA/jʊst/

Meaning

  • adverbjust

Example

In dem Augenblick klingelte just das Telefon.

At that very moment, the phone rang.

Illustration for just (just)

More examples

Ich habe just genau jetzt Zeit.

I have time right now.

Core concept

An event and a telephone ring meet at one exact point on a timeline rather than occurring merely close together.

Common phrases

  • just genau jetzt

    right now

Similar words

gerade: Marks the very moment of an event.
eben: Describes something that happened almost immediately before now.
gleich: Signals that something is about to happen shortly.
vorhin: Refers to an event from a little earlier.

Definition in German

Genau in dem Augenblick, in dem etwas eintritt.

Word origin

The German adverb just comes from English just, ultimately related to Latin iustus through Old French juste, and acquired this temporal use in German through borrowing.

Usage tips

  • This German use does not cover every meaning of English just, which can also mean 'only', 'fair', or 'recently'.

Opposites

Word lists with this word