Expressing "already" with just "le" "了"
You understand the word 已经 (yǐjīng) to mean "already" in Chinese, and it is followed with a 了 (le). However, sometimes, that feeling of "already" can also be expressed with 了 (le) alone if it is used in response to a preceding question or statement.
Structure
Examples
When "already" is implied using this structure, it is usually (if not always) in response to a preceding question or statement. Therefore, the following examples are in dialogue format.
- A:老板 呢？
Lǎobǎn ne?
Where is the boss?
- B:他 走 了。
Tā zǒu le
He (already) left.
- A:孩子 还在 上 大学 吗？
Háizi hái zài shàng dàxué ma?
Are your kids still in college?
- B:他们 工作 了。
This expression emphasizes that they're not students anymore, and have already entered the workforce.
Tāmen gōngzuò le
They (already) work.
- A:用 我 的 车 吧？
Yòng wǒ de chē ba?
How about using my car?
- B:谢谢，我们 有 车 了。
Xièxie, wǒmen yǒu chē le
Thanks. We (already) have a car.
- A:你 要 不 要 告诉 他？
Nǐ yào bu yào gàosu tā?
Are you going to tell him?
- B:他 知道 了。
Tā zhīdào le.
He (already) knows.
- A:你 应该 问 老师。
Nǐ yīnggāi wèn lǎoshī.
You should ask the teacher.
- B:我 问 了。
Wǒ wèn le.
I (already) asked.
See Also
Sources and further reading
Books
- Basic Patterns of Chinese Grammar (p. 68)
- Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 126-9)
- Mandarin Chinese: A Functional Reference Grammar (pp. 238-99)
- >New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 217-8)
- New Practical Chinese Reader 3 (新实用汉语课本3) (pp. 64-5)
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (p. 8)
- 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 239)
Websites