矣
classical final particle, like 了
Structure
…… ＋ 矣 · 足矣 ／ 久矣 ／ 悔之晚矣
What it means
A classical sentence-final particle like 了: it marks a new state or a conclusion.
How it is built
Sentence + 矣, mostly in set phrases: 足矣, 久矣, 于愿足矣, 悔之晚矣: 现在才后悔，悔之晚矣 (Regretting it now is too late).
When to use it
Set phrases and solemn or playfully old-fashioned writing. You saw it in Confucius’s 朝闻道，夕死可矣 (lesson 4-12).
Watch out
Never use it together with 了: ✗足了矣 ✓足矣. Don’t tack it onto everyday sentences: ✗我吃饭矣.
Examples
在他看来，人人都能吃饱饭，此生足矣。
As he saw it, if everyone had enough to eat, he could ask no more of life.
能和老朋友喝杯茶、聊聊天，我于愿足矣。
A cup of tea and a chat with an old friend is all I could wish for.
现在才后悔，悔之晚矣。
Regretting it now is too late.
Learn this in Lesson 127 · HSK 7–9: 送别袁隆平 (Obituary: farewell to Yuan Longping)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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