已经 yǐjīng already
How to remember 已经: 已 already + 经 go through = already.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Already' - goes before the verb, usually with sentence-final 了: 我已经吃了 (wǒ yǐjing chī le) I've already eaten.
- The 了 signals the completed/changed state that 已经 emphasizes; dropping it sounds unfinished.
- Negate with 已经不 (…了) for 'no longer': 他已经不在这儿了 (tā yǐjing bú zài zhèr le) he's no longer here.
Example sentences
- 已经五点了。 Yǐjing wǔ diǎn le.It's already five o'clock.
- 他已经准备好了。 Tā yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le.He already completed preparations.
- 我以为你已经回家了。 Wǒ yǐwéi nǐ yǐjīng huíjiā le.I thought you had already gone home.
- 她已经结婚了。 Tā yǐjing jiéhūn le.She's already married.