已经

• Pinyin: yǐ jīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 已 = derived from 己 (self), meaning 'already/to stop'; 经 = 纟 (silk radical) + 圣 (phonetic), meaning 'to pass through'

Meaning

Already; by now. Indicates that an action has been completed or a state has been reached.

One of the most common adverbs in Chinese, used to indicate completion of an action or that a situation has already come about. Often paired with 了 at the end of the sentence. Placed before the verb it modifies.

Examples

1. 我已经吃过饭了。 I've already eaten.
2. 他已经到学校了。 He has already arrived at school.
3. 这本书我已经看了三遍了。 I've already read this book three times.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我已经做完作业了。(I've already finished my homework.)
• 飞机已经起飞了。(The plane has already taken off.)

Don't Say

• 我已经明天去北京。(Don't use 已经 for future actions — it only refers to things that have already happened.)

Origin & History

Compound of 已 (already/to cease) and 经 (to pass through), together meaning 'already passed through' or 'already completed.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal