才 vs 就

才 and 就 often appear in similar sentence frames, but they point to opposite expectations.

Quick difference

• 才: later than expected, or fewer than expected
• 就: earlier than expected, or more readily than expected

Examples

• 他八点才来。

  • "He only came at 8." (later than expected)

• 他八点就来。

  • "He came as early as 8." (earlier than expected)

Study tip

When you see 才 or 就, ask: "Is this earlier/faster/easier than expected, or later/slower/harder than expected?"