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
Websites
Category: A2 grammar points