一经 yìjīng as soon as
as soon as; once (an action has been completed)
How to remember 一经: 一 one + 经 go through = as soon as.
Characters
How it is used
- Formal 'once (an action is done), then…' - links a completed action to an automatic consequence - 一经录用,待遇从优 (yìjīng lùyòng, dàiyù cóngyōu) once hired, you'll receive favorable terms; 一经发现,严肃处理 (yìjīng fāxiàn, yánsù chǔlǐ) once discovered, it will be dealt with severely.
- Signature of official notices and rules; the second clause states the guaranteed result. Pattern: 一经 + V, (就) + result.
- Near 一旦 (yídàn, once/if) but 一经 stresses a completed triggering action, not a hypothetical.