already

Original meaning: 

snake-like or insect-like creature

Derived from . Depicts a snake-like or insect-like creature. Based on the original meaning "snake-like or insect-like creature". The current meaning "already" is a phonetic loan.

Evolution

已 Bronze script Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)

Bronze script

Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
已 Regular script Modern

Regular script

Modern
Definitions

 

already; finished; stop; to stop; then; afterwards

Most common words with 已
Freq.
Word
Meaning

已经

already

already

而已

that's all

早已

long ago

不已

endlessly

Component uses

Sound component in 1 character (1 verified)

Simplified component in 1 character (1 verified)