How to Use 了 in Chinese
Learn common beginner uses of 了 in Mandarin sentences.
Useful phrases
我吃饭了。
Wǒ chīfàn le.
I ate / I have eaten.
我到了。
Wǒ dào le.
I arrived.
太好了！
Tài hǎo le!
Great!
How to use this pattern
了 often marks change, completion, or a new situation. Start by imitating fixed phrases.
Practice routine
Practice high-frequency phrases: I arrived, I ate, I understand now.
Common mistake
Do not add 了 to every past tense. It is not the same as English past tense.
FAQ
Is 了 past tense?
No. It often relates to completion or change, but it is not past tense.
Why does 太好了 have 了?
It marks a new situation or exclamation, like Great!
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