既

• Pinyin: jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 既 = 艮 (food vessel) + 旡 (person turning away) — having already eaten, hence 'already'

Meaning

Already; since; both...and. A conjunction used to link two related qualities or conditions.

Most commonly appears in the pattern 既...又/也... (both...and...) to express that two qualities or conditions exist simultaneously. For example: 既便宜又好看 (both cheap and good-looking). Can also mean 'since' or 'already' in more literary contexts. It is more formal and structured than simply using 又 alone.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅既便宜又好吃。 This restaurant is both cheap and delicious.
2. 她既聪明又努力，成绩一直很好。 She is both smart and hardworking, so her grades have always been good.
3. 这个方案既能节省时间，也能减少成本。 This plan can both save time and reduce costs.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, written, descriptive

Tone: balanced

Do Say

• 他既会说英语，又会说法语。(He can speak both English and French.)
• 这件衣服既好看又舒服。(This outfit is both good-looking and comfortable.)

Don't Say

• 既你来了 (Don't use 既 alone to mean 'since you're here' — use 既然 for the 'since/now that' meaning)

Origin & History

The ancient form depicts a person turning away from a food vessel after eating, signifying completion — hence the meaning 'already finished' and by extension 'since' or 'both.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal