Definition
已经 (yǐjīng) is the standard adverb for 'already' in everyday spoken and written Chinese. 已 (yǐ) is its shorter, more formal counterpart, used mainly in compact writing or fixed phrases, not usually in casual speech. 早已 (zǎo yǐ) adds a sense of 'long since' — it means something was already done well before a reference time.
adverb
already
Easily confused
- 一经yī jīngsound-alikeonce (an action has been completed); as soon as
Examples
- 已经。Wǒ yǐ jīng xiě wán zuòyè le.I have already finished my homework.
- 已经?Tā yǐ jīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?Has he already prepared?
- 已经。Wǒmen yǐ jīng mǎi piào le.We have already bought the tickets.
Grammar
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