Learn a Chinese Character - 既

1. Character Basics

Radical: 旡 (jì radical)

Stroke Count: 9

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jì

3. Meaning

already, since, both, as well as, existing, previous, completed action

4. Common Words

• 既然 (jì rán) - since, now that
• 既定 (jì dìng) - established, already decided
• 既往 (jì wǎng) - past, previous
• 既成事实 (jì chéng shì shí) - fait accompli
• 既是 (jì shì) - both, as well as
• 既来之，则安之 (jì lái zhī, zé ān zhī) - since we're here, we might as well settle down

5. Grammar & Usage

1. Used as an adverb meaning "already" or "since"

2. Often used in the structure "既然...就..." (jì rán...jiù...) meaning "since..., then..."

3. Can be used to indicate that an action is completed or established

4. In formal Chinese, often used in phrases to connect two related ideas or conditions

6. Cultural Background

The character 既 has been used in Chinese writing for thousands of years. In ancient Chinese, it originally depicted a person sitting with a full stomach, representing the idea of "already eaten" or "completed". Over time, it evolved to its current form and meaning. The character is commonly used in classical Chinese literature and philosophical texts, as well as in modern Chinese, often to express logical connections between ideas.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 既有 9 strokes. You can remember it by thinking of its original meaning of "already eaten" or "completed". The top part resembles a bowl or container, while the bottom part represents a person. Together, they convey the idea of having finished something (like a meal). This helps connect the character's form to its meaning of "already" or "since" in modern Chinese.