…矣
classical 了: a new state has come about, or a firm judgement
Structure
陈述（新的情况／肯定的判断） 矣
What it means
The classical counterpart of sentence-final 了: something has come about (已亡矣, 老矣), or a weighty, settled judgement is delivered (可矣, 足矣).
How it is built
Statement of a new state or firm judgement + 矣 at the end: 一家人平平安安，此生足矣 (If my family is safe and well, I ask nothing more of life).
When to use it
It lives on in set phrases (足矣, 久矣, 悔之晚矣) and in deliberately literary or mock-solemn writing. In everyday speech it sounds archaic or jokey; use 了.
Watch out
Do not double it with 了: ✗ 已经亡了矣 ✓ 已亡矣. Keep it to classical-style sentences rather than dropping it into plain speech.
Examples
共和之名虽在，共和之实已亡矣。
The name of the republic survived; its substance was already dead.
朝闻道，夕死可矣。
If I hear the Way in the morning, I could die content that evening. (Confucius)
一家人平平安安，此生足矣。
If my family is safe and well, I ask nothing more of life.
Learn this in Lesson 199 · HSK 7–9: 1913年的国会 (The parliament of 1913)
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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