Just

Adverb

only, simply

Syntax

just triggers the use of perfective aspect (have + -en).

• I had just finished eating when the doorbell rang.
• I've just left work. I should be back home in an hour.

In both the UK & the US the past perfect is used with just to mark a recently accomplished prior action. Compare to venir de in French.

In American English the simple past is frequently used instead of the present perfect.

speech softener

Adding "just" is very frequently when making a suggestion, when criticizing, when explaining one's reasoning...

• I'm just wondering if we should even continue producing these books, we keep losing money on them.
• just saying (je dis ça, je dis rien)
• I just wanted to say thank you!
• I just thought it wasn't a big deal. I didn't realize it was so important.

Adjective

fair, equitable