早已
How to Understand
早已 means 'long ago' or 'already' in English, emphasizing that something happened a long time before the present moment. It often conveys a sense of past completion or an action that has been done for a considerable time.
The character 早 (zǎo) means 'early' or 'soon,' while 已 (yǐ) is a classical particle indicating completion. Together, they form a phrase that highlights the passage of time and the lasting nature of an action or state.
早已 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to express that something has already occurred or been true for a long time. It is often used in contexts like memories, past events, or situations where time has passed significantly. For example, it might be used when reflecting on how long a relationship has lasted or how long a condition has existed.