The Adverb of Time "已经" (yǐjīng)

In Mandarin Chinese, the adverb "已经" (yǐjīng) is used to indicate that something has already happened or that a certain state has already been achieved. It is often translated as "already" in English.

Usage:

• "已经" is used before the verb or adjective in a sentence to emphasize that the action or state has already been completed.
• It can be used in affirmative sentences, negative sentences, and questions.

Examples:

• 我 已经 吃饭了。(Wǒ yǐjīng chīfàn le.) - I have already eaten.
• 他 已经 到家了。(Tā yǐjīng dào jiā le.) - He has already arrived home.
• 我们 已经 看过那部电影了。(Wǒmen yǐjīng kàn guò nà bù diànyǐng le.) - We have already seen that movie.
• 你 已经 完成作业了吗？(Nǐ yǐjīng wánchéng zuòyè le ma?) - Have you already finished your homework?
• 他 已经 不在这儿了。(Tā yǐjīng bù zài zhèr le.) - He is no longer here.

Additional Notes:

• When using "已经" in negative sentences, "不" (bù) or "没有" (méiyǒu) is placed after "已经" to indicate that something has not yet happened.
• "已经" can be combined with other time expressions to provide more specific details about when the action or state occurred.