Meaning:

to approach, even, immediate

Origin:

“即”是个会意字，字形的左边是一个盛食物的器皿，右边是一个跪坐着的人，面向食物，本义是“就食”。引申为“接近”、“靠近”。

A typical associative compound, the left part of “即” resembles a utensil used to hold food, while the right part is a kneeling man facing the container. The original meaning was “to eat,” which extended to “to approach” and “to get close.”

Words：

   即将 (jíjiāng)              : soon, to be about to

   立即   (lì jí)                : immediately

   即席发言 (jíxífāyán) : to make an extemporaneous speech

   即使 (jíshǐ)               : even though

Examples:

1. 即使你去，他也不会答应帮忙的。

    Jíshǐ nǐ qù, tā yě búhuì dāying bāngmáng de

    Even if you go ask him, he won’t agree to help.

2. 她即将在家乡举行婚礼。

    Tā jíjiāng zài jiāxiāng jǔxíng hūnlǐ

    She is about to hold her wedding in hometown.