How to say “already” in Chinese with 都 (dōu)
都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le)
Expressing "already" with "都 (dōu)"
都 (dōu) + Time + 了 (le)
HSK 2AdverbsExpressing "already" with "都 (dōu)"
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 express “Expressing "already" with "都 (dōu)"” in Chinese?
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
Emphasis with "就是 (jiùshì)"
就是 (jiùshì) + Verb
Expressing "then" with "就 (jiù)"
就 (jiù) + Verb Phrase
Continuation with "还 (hái)"
Subj. + 还 (hái) + Verb Phrase / Adj.
Expressing "again" in the future with "再 (zài)"
再 (zài) + Verb
Expressing "about to" with "就要 (jiùyào)"
(还有 (háiyǒu) + Time Period) + 就要 (jiùyào) + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
Expressing earliness with "就 (jiù)"
Subj. + Time + 就 (jiù) + Verb + 了 (le)
Expressing "and also" with "还 (hái)"
还 (hái) + Verb
Negative commands with "别 (bié)"
别 (bié) + Verb