Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Describing something as early with 早 (zǎo)

    Description & Modification
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    早 + Noun

    Explanation

    When used as an adjective, 早 (zǎo) means "early," describing something that occurs before the usual or expected time. It can modify nouns directly or appear in predicate position. Common phrases include 早班 (early shift) and 早期 (early stage).

    Examples

    • 你今天来得真早，第一个到公司。

      nǐ jīntiān lái de zhēn zǎo, dì yī gè dào gōngsī.

      You arrived really early today — the first one at the office.

    • 我喜欢坐早班地铁，人少一些。

      wǒ xǐhuan zuò zǎobān dìtiě, rén shǎo yīxiē.

      I like taking the early subway — there are fewer people.

    • 这个项目还在早期阶段，很多东西没定下来。

      zhège xiàngmù hái zài zǎoqī jiēduàn, hěn duō dōngxi méi dìng xiàlai.

      This project is still in its early stages, and many things haven't been decided yet.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Describing something as early with 早 (zǎo) | Chinese Grammar