久已 (jiǔ yǐ) — long since

Definition

Written/literary adverb meaning 'long since' or 'for a long time already' — emphasizes that something has been true for a long time. Use it in formal prose, not everyday speech.

verb
long since

Examples

  • 久已。
    Tā jiǔ yǐ lí kāi le zhè zuò chéng shì.
    He left this city long ago.
  • 久已。
    Zhè jiàn shì jiǔ yǐ bú shì mì mì le.
    This matter has long since ceased to be a secret.
  • 久已。
    Tā men jiǔ yǐ xí guàn le zhè lǐ de shēng huó.
    They have long since gotten used to life here.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

久jiǔlong
已yǐalready

久 gives long time and 已 gives already.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

久 likely came from a simple drawing of an arrow tip.

Open 久 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 已 may originally have been a drawing of either a snake or a fetus.

Open 已 →

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.