早已

• Pinyin: zǎo yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 早 = 日 (sun) + 十 (ten), originally meaning early morning; 已 = a pictograph of a completed action, meaning 'already'

Meaning

Long ago; already; long since. Emphasizes that something happened or was completed much earlier than expected.

Stronger than 已经 (already). Adds emphasis that the action or state was established a long time ago. Often used to correct a misconception or to emphasize that something is old news.

Examples

1. 这个消息我早已知道了。 I knew about this news long ago.
2. 他早已离开了这座城市。 He left this city a long time ago.
3. 这件事早已过去了，不要再想了。 This matter is long past, don't think about it anymore.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我早已做好了准备。(I made preparations long ago.)
• 这本书我早已看完了。(I finished reading this book a long time ago.)

Don't Say

• 我早已吃饭。(早已 needs 了 to mark completion — say 我早已吃过饭了)

Origin & History

早 (early) + 已 (already). Together: already at an early point — long since.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal