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March 24, 2026
已经(已經)yǐjīng(yi3jing1)
已经 (yǐjīng) means 'already' in Mandarin. It is used to indicate that something has occurred before the current moment, often conveying a sense of completion or a change in state. Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, it helps to emphasize the timing of actions or events.
Strokes11Frequency#84DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging past actions or experiences is often important in conversation. Using 已经 emphasizes the completion of tasks or events, which reflects the cultural value placed on punctuality and responsibility.
Memory Tip
Think of 已经 as a door that has already been opened (已 'already' + 经 'pass through'). Imagine passing through the door to signify that something has happened or been completed, reinforcing the meaning of 'already'.
Meanings of 已经
yǐjīng(yi3jing1)
1already
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 已经
已经Simplified
已經Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#84Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 已经
Podcast: 已经
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AI Study Notes for 已经
Quick Contrast
已经 (yǐjīng) vs 早已 (zǎoyǐ) — use 已经 for events that have occurred up to now, while 早已 emphasizes that something was done long before now.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 已经 as a door that has already been opened (已 'already' + 经 'pass through'). Imagine passing through the door to signify that something has happened or been completed, reinforcing the meaning of 'already'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 已经 with 还是 (háishì), which means 'still' or 'or'. In informal contexts, you may hear it used more frequently, but in formal writing, it should be used appropriately to indicate past actions. Common collocations include 已经...了, meaning 'already...'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 已经 is essential for students to express past actions or states. Focus on using it in sentences to describe what you have done or what has changed, connecting it with verbs to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging past actions or experiences is often important in conversation. Using 已经 emphasizes the completion of tasks or events, which reflects the cultural value placed on punctuality and responsibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly place 已经 before the verb instead of after, such as saying '我已经去' instead of the correct '我去已经了'. Additionally, some may omit the particle 了, leading to incomplete sentences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 已经
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Grammar Patterns of 已经
已经 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
I've had enough—there are limits even for the patience of a saint!
11
我已经吃过晚饭了。
Wǒ yǐjīng chī guò wǎnfàn le.
I have already had dinner.
12
他已经到了学校。
Tā yǐjīng dào le xuéxiào.
He has already arrived at school.
13
我们已经看过这部电影了。
Wǒmen yǐjīng kàn guò zhè bù diànyǐng le.
We have already watched this movie.
14
书已经放在桌子上了。
Shū yǐjīng fàng zài zhuōzi shàng le.
The book is already on the table.
15
我已经完成了今天的作业。
Wǒ yǐjīng wánchéng le jīntiān de zuòyè.
I have already finished today's homework.
16
他已经去过北京三次了。
Tā yǐjīng qùguò Běijīng sān cì le.
He has already been to Beijing three times.
Cultural Notes for 已经
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, acknowledging past actions or experiences is often important in conversation. Using 已经 emphasizes the completion of tasks or events, which reflects the cultural value placed on punctuality and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 已经
Yes, 已经 can be used with most verbs to indicate that the action has already taken place.
Yes, 已经 is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure it fits the narrative or description.
No, 已经 consistently means 'already', but its emphasis can change based on the verbs it accompanies.
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