已经过去了。
Yijing guoqu le.
It's already past.
Literally: Already (已经) pass (过去) + completion particle (了).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal that a past event is no longer important.
- Perfect for forgiving small mistakes or moving past awkwardness.
- A simple, three-word way to say 'It's over now.'
Meaning
This phrase is used to say that something is over, finished, or in the past. It’s a way to tell someone to stop worrying about what happened and move on.
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend apologizes for being late to dinner
没事，已经过去了。
It's okay, it's already past.
Talking about a failed exam from last month
考试已经过去了，别再想了。
The exam is already past, stop thinking about it.
In a professional meeting after a project mistake was fixed
那个错误已经过去了，我们看未来。
That mistake is in the past, let's look to the future.
Cultural Background
In social harmony contexts, this phrase is used to avoid 'holding a grudge' ({记仇|jìchóu}), which is seen as a negative trait in Confucian-influenced societies. Similar usage, but often delivered with a softer tone using particles like {啦|la} at the end ({已经过去啦|yǐjīng guòqù la}) to sound more comforting. Used by leaders to signal that a team should stop analyzing a failure and start focusing on the next goal. Often used sarcastically to describe 'dead memes' or celebrities who are no longer famous.
Add 'Dou' for emphasis
Saying {都已经过去了|dōu yǐjīng guòqù le} sounds much more natural and empathetic when comforting someone.
Watch your tone
If said too quickly, it can sound like you are telling someone to 'get over it,' which might be rude.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal that a past event is no longer important.
- Perfect for forgiving small mistakes or moving past awkwardness.
- A simple, three-word way to say 'It's over now.'
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate 'reset' button. It literally means something has already passed through the timeline of your life. It is simple, direct, and incredibly common in daily conversation. When you say 已经过去了, you are closing a chapter. You are telling the world that whatever happened is no longer relevant to the present moment.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'It's over' or 'Forget about it.' It works as a standalone sentence. You can also add it after a specific event. For example, 'The exam 已经过去了.' It is very flexible. It doesn't need complex grammar. Just drop it when you want to stop talking about a past event. It sounds natural and decisive.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is apologizing for being late. Use it after a stressful work meeting ends. It is great for comforting someone who made a mistake. If you are texting a friend about an old argument, this phrase is perfect. It shows you are not holding a grudge. It is a very 'zen' way to handle life's little hiccups.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are still happening. If your boss is currently yelling at you, don't say this. It might sound like you are ignoring the problem. Also, avoid using it for very tragic events too early. If someone just lost their job an hour ago, it might feel dismissive. Timing is everything with this phrase. Let the dust settle first.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes 'letting go' to maintain harmony. There is a famous saying about not looking back at the past. This phrase reflects that philosophy. It is about emotional efficiency. Why waste energy on what you cannot change? It is a very pragmatic way of looking at time. It helps maintain 'face' by ending awkward situations quickly.
Common Variations
You might hear 都过去了 (dōu guò qù le). This means 'It's ALL past.' It adds a bit more emphasis. Another one is 让它过去吧 (ràng tā guò qù ba). This means 'Let it go.' It is more of a suggestion than a statement of fact. Both are very common in movies and songs. They all share the same spirit of moving forward.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for almost any social situation. It is neutral in formality. The main 'gotcha' is tone—ensure you sound comforting or resolute rather than bored.
Add 'Dou' for emphasis
Saying {都已经过去了|dōu yǐjīng guòqù le} sounds much more natural and empathetic when comforting someone.
Watch your tone
If said too quickly, it can sound like you are telling someone to 'get over it,' which might be rude.
Face Saving
Use this phrase to end an argument without making the other person apologize explicitly.
Time markers
You can place any time duration before {已经过去了|yǐjīng guòqù le} to state how much time has elapsed.
Examples
6没事，已经过去了。
It's okay, it's already past.
Used here to show you aren't angry anymore.
考试已经过去了，别再想了。
The exam is already past, stop thinking about it.
Encouraging someone to stop dwelling on a bad result.
那个错误已经过去了，我们看未来。
That mistake is in the past, let's look to the future.
Professional way to pivot the team's focus.
以前的事都已经过去了。
Everything in the past has already passed.
A polite way to signal closure via text.
求你了，那件事已经过去了！
I beg you, that thing is already past!
A playful way to tell someone to stop teasing you.
不哭了，已经过去了。
Don't cry, it's already over.
Simple comfort to help a child move on.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural response to: '{对不起，我迟到了。|duìbùqǐ, wǒ chídào le.}' (Sorry, I'm late.)
A: {已经过去了。|yǐjīng guòqù le.} B: {我不去。|wǒ bù qù.} C: {你是谁？|nǐ shì shéi?} D: {太贵了。|tài guì le.}
Option A is a kind way to say 'It's okay, don't worry about it now.'
Complete the sentence to say 'Everything is in the past.'
{一切___过去了。|yīqiè ___ guòqù le.}
{都|dōu} is used here to mean 'all' or 'entirely,' making the phrase more emphatic.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are talking about a storm that ended yesterday.
Since the storm ended yesterday, it is in the past.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {你还在生他的气吗？|nǐ hái zài shēng tā de qì ma?} (Are you still angry at him?) B: {不生气了，___。|bù shēngqì le, ___.}
This explains why B is no longer angry—the event is in the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: {已经过去了。|yǐjīng guòqù le.} B: {我不去。|wǒ bù qù.} C: {你是谁？|nǐ shì shéi?} D: {太贵了。|tài guì le.}
Option A is a kind way to say 'It's okay, don't worry about it now.'
{一切___过去了。|yīqiè ___ guòqù le.}
{都|dōu} is used here to mean 'all' or 'entirely,' making the phrase more emphatic.
Situation: You are talking about a storm that ended yesterday.
Since the storm ended yesterday, it is in the past.
A: {你还在生他的气吗？|nǐ hái zài shēng tā de qì ma?} (Are you still angry at him?) B: {不生气了，___。|bù shēngqì le, ___.}
This explains why B is no longer angry—the event is in the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's better to use {去世了|qùshì le} or {走了|zǒu le}. Using {已经过去了|yǐjīng guòqù le} for a person is very informal and can be confusing.
They mean the same thing, but {已经|yǐjīng} adds emphasis that it is 'already' done.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It indicates a 'change of state'—the event has now moved from the present to the past.
It sounds incomplete in spoken Chinese. Always add the {了|le}.
You can say {让它过去吧|ràng tā guòqù ba}.
Yes, to move past a failed deal or a mistake in a meeting.
No, for exams use {通过|tōngguò} or {及格|jígé}.
Yes, {那辆车已经过去了|nà liàng chē yǐjīng guòqù le} is a literal and correct use.
You can say {往事如烟|wǎngshì rú yān} (The past is like smoke).
Related Phrases
{算了|suànle}
similarForget it / let it be
{没关系|méiguānxì}
similarIt doesn't matter
{过去式|guòqùshì}
specialized formPast tense / a thing of the past
{翻篇|fānpiān}
similarTo turn the page
{往事|wǎngshì}
builds onPast events
