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