已经

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Character Breakdown

Usage of 已经

'已经' is a very common adverb in Mandarin used to indicate that an action or state has occurred or been completed by the present moment. It often corresponds to 'already' in English.

Position in Sentence

'已经' usually appears before the verb or verb phrase it modifies. For example, in '已经', it precedes ''.

Expressing Completion and Change

It emphasizes that something has happened earlier than expected or is no longer in the previous state, such as '已经公司工作' (He no longer works at the company).

Common Collocations

  • 已经 + Verb + : to express completed actions.
  • 已经 + Adjective + : to express a change of state.

Nuance and Register

'已经' is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. It can be used in questions to confirm if something has happened, e.g., '已经知道?'

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '已经' with '正好' (just now) or '刚才' (just a moment ago). '已经' stresses the completion or existence of a state by now, not the exact timing.

Example Sentences

I have already eaten dinner.

The movie has already started, let's hurry in!

He is already prepared and can start working.

Do you already know this news?

I have already gotten used to life here.

He no longer works at the company.

The meeting has already ended, please everyone leave.