How to say “it’s already” in Chinese with 都 (dōu) + time
都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le)
都 (dōu) + time — already
都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le)
HSK 2Adverbs都 (dōu) + time — already
Rule structure
都 (dōu) with a time expression and 了 (le) emphasizes that a situation has already arrived or that the time is later than expected. It often carries a tone of surprise, complaint, or reminder.
Rule structure
都 (dōu) with a time expression and 了 (le) emphasizes that a situation has already arrived or that the time is later than expected. It often carries a tone of surprise, complaint, or reminder.
Examples
都十二点了！
Dōu shí'èr diǎn le!
It's already twelve o'clock!
Examples
都十二点了！
Dōu shí'èr diǎn le!
It's already twelve o'clock!
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “already” in Chinese with 都 + time?
Use the structure: 都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le). For example: 都十二点了！ — “It's already twelve o'clock!”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
都十二点了！ — “It's already twelve o'clock!”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
就是 — emphasis with “just”
就是 (jiùshì) + Verb
就 — then
就 (jiù) + Verb Phrase
还 — still
Subj. + 还 (hái) + Verb Phrase / Adj.
再 — again in the future
再 (zài) + Verb
就要 — about to happen
(还有 (háiyǒu) + Time Period) + 就要 (jiùyào) + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
就 — early action
Subj. + Time + 就 (jiù) + Verb + 了 (le)
还 — and also
还 (hái) + Verb
别 — negative commands
别 (bié) + Verb