I have more questions about 了
Okay, here we go again. I still think 了 is a mystery. I took a look at the definitions of 了 at nciku.com, copied and pasted them here and then added some of my own questions and examples (see highlighted text) . I'm hoping some of you will take a look.
Thanks in advance - 小Phil
了 [le]
1. 1. 助词 [used after an action that has taken place or something that has changed]
我哥哥已经从国外回来了。
My brother has come back from abroad.
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My questions
1a. We can also say "我哥哥从国外回来了," right? I mean, we are told that 已经 = already, but ‘already' usually indicates something has happened sooner than one would expect, e.g. "I'm already finished," the implication is that I finished my homework quicker than what one would expect. It seems to me that 已经 doesn't have that meaning here.
1b. I know that 的 can sometimes indicate something has taken place. Can we say "我哥哥从国会来的"? It seems wrong to me, but I don't know why.
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2. 2. 助词 [used for an anticipated or presupposed action]
等我吃了饭再去接你。
I'll pick you up after I finish my dinner.
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Can anyone tell me if these examples are right?
2a. 我做了饭再帮弟弟。I made dinner and then helped my little brother. (Is it possible to add a 了to the end of this sentence?)
2b. 我上课了回家。I got of class and then went home. (Is it possible to add a 了to the end of this sentence?)
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3. 3. 助词 [indicating that something has happened or is about to happen]
狼来了。
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Question:
3a. Is there any other verb besides 来 that can be used to indicate something is about to happen?
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4. 4. 助词 [indicating a certain situation under certain conditions]
天气很冷,我今天就不去跑步了。
The weather is cold so I won't jog today.
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Are my examples okay?
4a. 我生病了,就不去上班了。I'm sick so I won't go to work.
4b. 你没告诉我这件事,我就没做了。You didn't tell me it, so I didn't do anything. (I'm pretty sure this sentence is wrong. 了 and 没 shouldn't be used together here, I think. I just want to know if there is a way to use this structure in the past.)
4c. 你告诉我这件事,我就做了。 You told me about this, so I did it.
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5. 5. 助词 [indicating a change in one's understanding, idea, view or action]
我现在和他做朋友了。
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Are my examples right?
5a. 我现在很满意了。 I'm satisfied now. (Does the meaning significantly change if there is no 了?)
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6. 6. 助词 [indicating a request or a command]
走了,火车快开了。
Let's go. The train will leave soon.
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Are my examples right?
6a. 这是你的资料,你拿了。This is your materials. Take them.
6b.说了, 不要这么安静。Say it. Don't be quiet like this. (Could I have reversed the order here, e.g. could I have said 不要这么安静,说了?)
6c. 给了 Give me it.
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