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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing completed actions with 了 (le)

    HSK 1
    Aspect & Tense

    Structure

    Verb + 了 (+ Object)

    Explanation

    The particle 了 placed directly after a verb indicates that the action has been completed. It functions as a perfective aspect marker, signaling that an event happened and reached its endpoint. For example, 我吃了饭 means "I ate (the meal)" — the eating is finished.

    Examples

    • 我昨天买了一件新衣服。

      wǒ zuótiān mǎi le yī jiàn xīn yīfu.

      I bought a new piece of clothing yesterday.

    • 她喝了三杯咖啡才醒过来。

      tā hē le sān bēi kāfēi cái xǐng guòlái.

      She didn't wake up until she had three cups of coffee.

    • 我们看了一部很好看的电影。

      wǒmen kàn le yī bù hěn hǎokàn de diànyǐng.

      We watched a really good movie.

    Often Confused With