A1 Expression Neutral 2 min read

我已经结婚了。

zh phrase 02675

I'm already married.

Literally: I already marry (completed action) le.

In 15 Seconds

  • A direct way to state your marital status in any setting.
  • Uses 'yǐjīng' and 'le' to show a completed life change.
  • A polite way to set boundaries or share personal news.

Meaning

This phrase is the most direct way to tell someone that you are already married. It is a simple statement of fact used to share your status or politely decline romantic interest.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Small talk with a new colleague

我已经结婚了,这是我太太的照片。

I'm already married; this is a photo of my wife.

2

Politely declining a blind date offer

谢谢你的好意,但我已经结婚了。

Thanks for your kindness, but I'm already married.

3

Catching up with an old classmate

时间过得真快,我已经结婚了!

Time flies so fast, I'm already married!

🌍

Cultural Background

It is common for colleagues to ask about marital status early on as a way to build rapport. Similar to the mainland, but often phrased with more polite particles like '喔'. Often mixed with English, but the phrase remains standard in Cantonese.

💡

Don't forget '了'

The '了' is the most important part of this sentence. Without it, you sound like you are talking about a future plan.

💬

Social Shield

Use this phrase to politely end conversations about your dating life. It is universally respected.

In 15 Seconds

  • A direct way to state your marital status in any setting.
  • Uses 'yǐjīng' and 'le' to show a completed life change.
  • A polite way to set boundaries or share personal news.

What It Means

This phrase is a straightforward way to say "I'm married." The word 已经 (yǐjīng) means "already." The character (le) at the end signals a change in state. It shows you aren't single anymore. It is clear, honest, and very common.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase in almost any conversation. It works when meeting new colleagues. It works when catching up with old friends. Just drop it into a conversation about family or life. You don't need to add much else. It stands perfectly on its own.

When To Use It

Use it when someone asks about your relationship status. Use it at a wedding when someone asks if you're next. Use it at work during small talk. It is also a very polite "shield." If someone is flirting and you aren't interested, this is your best friend. It ends the pursuit without being rude.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you are only engaged. In Chinese culture, 结婚 specifically means the legal or ceremonial act. Don't use it if you are just in a long-term relationship. Also, avoid saying it too aggressively. Unless someone is really pushing you, keep the tone light. You don't want to sound like you're bragging about your ring!

Cultural Background

Marriage is a huge milestone in Chinese society. People might ask about your status quite early. It isn't considered nosy; it's considered caring. In the past, being married was the "default" for adults. Today, things are changing, but the phrase remains a vital social marker. Telling someone you are married often changes how they interact with you. It usually brings a sense of stability and respect.

Common Variations

You might hear 我结婚了 (Wǒ jiéhūn le). This just means "I got married." It's slightly less emphatic than using "already." If you have kids, you might say 我连孩子都有了 (Wǒ lián háizi dōu yǒu le). This means "I even have kids already!" It’s a funny way to show you’ve been married for a while. If you want to be very casual, just say 结了 (jié le) when asked.

Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. The main 'gotcha' is the word order; ensure `已经` comes before the verb `结婚`.

💡

Don't forget '了'

The '了' is the most important part of this sentence. Without it, you sound like you are talking about a future plan.

💬

Social Shield

Use this phrase to politely end conversations about your dating life. It is universally respected.

Examples

6
#1 Small talk with a new colleague

我已经结婚了,这是我太太的照片。

I'm already married; this is a photo of my wife.

Adding a photo makes the conversation warm and friendly.

#2 Politely declining a blind date offer

谢谢你的好意,但我已经结婚了。

Thanks for your kindness, but I'm already married.

A polite way to turn down a matchmaker.

#3 Catching up with an old classmate

时间过得真快,我已经结婚了!

Time flies so fast, I'm already married!

Expressing surprise at how much life has changed.

#4 Filling out a form at a bank

我已经结婚了,这里应该勾选哪个?

I'm already married; which box should I check here?

Used in a purely functional, administrative context.

#5 Joking with friends about being 'old'

别叫我出去玩了,我已经结婚了,要回家做饭。

Stop asking me to go out; I'm already married, I have to go home and cook.

A humorous way to use marriage as an excuse to be lazy.

#6 Sharing a deep moment with a mentor

我已经结婚了,现在更懂得责任的意义。

I'm already married, and now I understand the meaning of responsibility better.

Reflecting on personal growth through marriage.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing particle.

我结婚___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The particle '了' indicates the change of state to married.

Which is the most natural way to say 'I am married'?

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我已经结婚了。

This is the standard, grammatically correct form.

Complete the response.

A: 你结婚了吗? B: ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我结婚了。

This is the direct answer to the question.

Match the situation to the phrase.

You want to decline a date politely.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我已经结婚了。

This is the most effective way to decline.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the missing particle. Fill Blank A1

我结婚___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The particle '了' indicates the change of state to married.

Which is the most natural way to say 'I am married'? Choose A1

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我已经结婚了。

This is the standard, grammatically correct form.

Complete the response. dialogue_completion A1

A: 你结婚了吗? B: ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我结婚了。

This is the direct answer to the question.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching A2

You want to decline a date politely.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我已经结婚了。

This is the most effective way to decline.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions

Yes, '结婚' is gender-neutral and applies to all legal marriages.

In China, it is quite common and not usually considered rude, but context matters.

Use '我订婚了' (I am engaged) instead.

It adds emphasis that the action is already done, which is helpful in social contexts.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. Just say '我结婚了'.

It is neutral. It works in both casual and formal settings.

Related Phrases

🔗

我单身

contrast

I am single.

🔗

订婚

builds on

Engaged.

🔗

离婚

specialized form

Divorced.

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