已然

yǐrán
adverb #15,589

Meanings

  1. 1 already
  2. 2 to have already become so

Examples

HSK 7-9
Júshì yǐrán fāshēng le biànhuà.
The situation has already changed.
HSK 7-9
Tā yǐrán chéngwéi le zhège hángyè de lǐngjūn rénwù.
He has already become a leading figure in this industry.

Tips

register
Literary and formal. In everyday speech, 已经 is used instead. 已然 appears in news articles, essays, and formal writing to add a sense of gravitas. It pairs naturally with 未然 (not yet): 防患于未然 (prevent problems before they happen).

Stroke Order

rán