How to say “already” in Chinese with 了 (le)
Subj. + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
Expressing "already" with just "了 (le)"
Subj. + Verb Phrase + 了 (le)
HSK 2ParticlesExpressing "already" with just "了 (le)"
Rule structure
The particle 了 (le) at the end of a sentence can indicate a change of state or that a new situation has already come into being. This often translates to "already" in English, especially with time-related phrases.
Rule structure
The particle 了 (le) at the end of a sentence can indicate a change of state or that a new situation has already come into being. This often translates to "already" in English, especially with time-related phrases.
Examples
我吃了。
Wǒ chī le.
I've already eaten.
Examples
我吃了。
Wǒ chī le.
I've already eaten.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Expressing "already" with just "了 (le)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Subj. + Verb Phrase + 了 (le). For example: 我吃了。 — “I've already eaten.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我吃了。 — “I've already eaten.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
Aspect particle "着 (zhe)"
Verb + 着 (zhe)
Using "过 (guò)" with "了 (le)"
Verb + 过 (guo) + 了 (le)
Conceding with "吧 (ba)"
⋯⋯吧 (ba)
Modal particle "呢 (ne)"
⋯⋯呢 (ne)?
Expressing experiences with "过 (guò)"
Verb + 过 (guo)
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯