已经
yǐjing
In Chinese, 'already' is expressed using 已经 (yǐjing). Wiktionary also lists 已經 / 已经 (yǐjīng) and 已 (yǐ).
Meaning: prior to some time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 已经 | yǐjing |
| 已經 / 已经 | yǐjīng |
| 已 | yǐ |
| 都 | dōu |
| 早已 | zǎoyǐ |
The term is used to describe something that has occurred prior to a certain time.
Which one should you use?
While 已经 is the standard way to say 'already', you can use 都 in a colloquial way to emphasize that a specific state or time has been reached, often when paired with the particle 了. For a more formal and emphatic tone, 早已 can be used to imply that an action was completed well in advance or a long time ago.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term for already is 已經.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 已经 to indicate a completed change of state, it is very common to place the particle 了 at the end of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
yǐjing
Did you know?
- When 都 is used to mean 'already', it often carries a tone of complaint or surprise, such as when someone is late.
- The word 都 is used to say 'already' in colloquial speech, but its original meaning was 'town' or 'city'.
- The formal version 早已 is frequently used in written literature to create a sense of poetic longing or regret for a long-past event.
Examples in context
- 已經結束了。It's already over.This sentence shows the use of 已.Tatoeba #3716302 by egg0073, translation #3962734 by JSakuragi
- 我已经累了。I was already tired.This sentence shows the use of 已经.Tatoeba #7768195 by jiangche, translation #3819637 by CK
- 已经周一了？Is it already Monday?Tatoeba #9968954 by GlossaMatik, translation #8833981 by CK
- 已经下班了。I've already finished work.
- 他早已离开了。He has already left a long time ago.
- 我吃饭了。I've already eaten.
- 我已經到了。I have already arrived.
- 339 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are meeting for lunch.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你已经到餐厅了吗？Nǐ yǐjīng dào cāntīng le ma?Have you already arrived at the restaurant?
- 浩然 Haoran我还没有到，快到了。Wǒ hái méiyǒu dào, kuài dào le.I haven't arrived yet, I'm almost there.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我已经点好菜了。Wǒ yǐjīng diǎn hǎo cài le.I have already ordered the food.
- 浩然 Haoran好的，我马上就到。Hǎo de, wǒ mǎshàng jiù dào.Okay, I'll be there immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “already” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 已, 都, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
