已经

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

含义

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.

例句

1. 我已经吃过饭了。
2. 他已经到学校了。
3. 这本书我已经看了三遍了。

用法指南

语境: everyday, conversation

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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.)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal