Can we just play, please?

[Sitifan]

Can we just play, please?
Could I just say a few words before we start?
Would you just explain to us how the system works?

What does the word "just" mean in the the above sentences?
Thanks a lot for your reply.
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mister Micawber]

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Simply, only.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Englishmajor]

Can we just play, please?
Could I just say a few words before we start?
Would you just explain to us how the system works?

What does the word "just" mean in the the above sentences?
Thanks a lot for your reply.

Just has several meanings.

"Just" is a qualifier. It means that the person is requesting ONLY to play, and not something else. It is a complaint in that sentence.

In the second sentence, he asks for time out to speak about something which is not on the agenda and asks for permission.

We often say, I'll be there in just a minute. Just is used in many contexts when it is an adverb.

–adverb 9. within a brief preceding time; but a moment before: The sun just came out.
10. exactly or precisely: This is just what I mean.
11. by a narrow margin; barely: The arrow just missed the mark.
12. only or merely: He was just a clerk until he became ambitious.
13. actually; really; positively: The weather is just glorious