In 15 Seconds
- Means 'long ago' or 'already happened way back.'
- Place it before the verb to show emphasis.
- More formal and stronger than just saying 'already.'
Meaning
It means something happened a long time ago or was finished way before now. It adds a bit of emphasis, like saying 'I already did that ages ago!'
Key Examples
3 of 6Telling a friend you already heard the gossip
这件事我早已听说了。
I heard about this long ago.
In a professional email about a finished project
那份报告我早已提交了。
I submitted that report a long time ago.
Texting a friend who is late to a movie
电影早已开始了，你快点！
The movie started ages ago, hurry up!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Chinese emphasis on 'earliness' as a virtue. It has roots in classical literature but transitioned perfectly into modern Mandarin. It is often used in song lyrics to express a sense of fate or long-standing emotion.
The 'Le' Connection
Always try to pair `早已` with `了` at the end of the phrase. It makes the sentence sound complete and rhythmic.
Don't Overuse It
If you use `早已` for every 'already,' you might sound a bit dramatic. Save it for when you really want to stress the time gap.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'long ago' or 'already happened way back.'
- Place it before the verb to show emphasis.
- More formal and stronger than just saying 'already.'
What It Means
早已 is your go-to word for 'long ago.' It combines 早 (early) and 已 (already). It tells people that a situation isn't just finished. It was finished way back in the past. It feels more definitive than just saying 已经.
How To Use It
Place 早已 right before the verb or adjective. It usually describes a state that has been true for a while. You will often see it paired with 了 at the end. This marks the completed change. For example, 我早已知道了 means 'I knew that ages ago.' It sounds smooth and very natural in conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound more emphatic. It works great when someone gives you 'old news.' Use it when talking about old habits or past decisions. It’s perfect for telling a friend you’ve moved on from an ex. Or telling a boss a task was finished yesterday morning. It adds a touch of 'I'm ahead of the curve' to your vibe.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that just happened. If you finished your coffee two minutes ago, use 已经. 早已 implies a significant gap of time. Also, avoid it in very short, robotic sentences. It’s a bit too 'flavorful' for a basic grammar drill. Don't use it if you are unsure if the event actually happened long ago. You might sound like you are exaggerating.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values being prepared and 'early.' Using 早已 shows you are proactive. It reflects a sense of time where the past is deeply connected to the present. In literature, it often sets a nostalgic or resigned tone. It suggests that some things are just meant to be. It’s been that way for a long time, after all.
Common Variations
早就 is the more casual, spoken cousin. You'll hear 早就 at the dinner table or with friends. 早已 is slightly more polished. It’s like the difference between 'long ago' and 'way back when.' Both work, but 早已 makes you sound a bit more sophisticated. You might also see 早已经 which is just a longer version.
Usage Notes
It sits in the 'neutral to formal' register. Use it to add emphasis to completed actions, but ensure the time gap is significant enough to justify 'long ago.'
The 'Le' Connection
Always try to pair `早已` with `了` at the end of the phrase. It makes the sentence sound complete and rhythmic.
Don't Overuse It
If you use `早已` for every 'already,' you might sound a bit dramatic. Save it for when you really want to stress the time gap.
The Literary Vibe
Using `早已` instead of `早就` in a text message makes you look well-educated and thoughtful. It's a small upgrade for your Chinese!
Examples
6这件事我早已听说了。
I heard about this long ago.
Shows the information is old news to you.
那份报告我早已提交了。
I submitted that report a long time ago.
Demonstrates efficiency and proactiveness.
电影早已开始了，你快点！
The movie started ages ago, hurry up!
Adds a bit of urgency and slight annoyance.
我的肚子早已饱了，吃不下了。
My stomach was full long ago, I can't eat more.
Hyperbole to show you are stuffed.
他早已离开了这座城市。
He left this city long ago.
Conveys a sense of time passing and moving on.
计划早已改变了，你不知道吗？
The plan changed long ago, didn't you know?
Used to clarify a long-standing change.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to show the action happened a long time ago.
他___回家了，现在不在办公室。
`早已` indicates he left the office quite a while ago.
Complete the sentence to tell your friend you've known the secret for a while.
这个秘密我___知道了。
`早已` emphasizes that the knowledge isn't new to you.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Already'
Used with close friends in daily speech.
早就
Standard for both speaking and writing.
已经
Adds emphasis and a bit of literary flair.
早已
When to use 早已
Old News
I knew that!
Efficiency
Finished hours ago.
Moving On
He's long gone.
Late Arrivals
It started way back.
Practice Bank
2 exercises他___回家了，现在不在办公室。
`早已` indicates he left the office quite a while ago.
这个秘密我___知道了。
`早已` emphasizes that the knowledge isn't new to you.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions已经 is the standard 'already' for any time frame. 早已 emphasizes that it happened a long time ago.
Yes, it is very appropriate for professional contexts to show tasks were completed well in advance.
It is common in both, but it feels slightly more 'written' or formal than the very casual 早就.
You can say 我早已吃过了 if you ate a while ago and aren't hungry now.
Usually, yes. Since it describes a state that has already changed or been completed, 了 provides the necessary grammar structure.
No, 早已 is strictly for things that have already happened in the past.
Not really. It's a standard expression, though using it for very minor things can be seen as humorous exaggeration.
早就 is very informal and spoken. 早已 is slightly more formal and elegant.
You can use it to describe a person's state, like 他早已累了 (He was tired long ago).
It can sound a bit impatient if your tone is sharp, like 'I already told you!' (我早已告诉你了！).
Related Phrases
已经
Already (standard)
早就
Long ago (casual/spoken)
早晚
Sooner or later
很久以前
A long time ago
