Early Meaning in English
word
/ˈɝɫi/
UR-lee
/ˈɜːli/
UR-lee
Definition
Happening or done before the expected time, or before something else. It can also mean happening near the beginning of a particular period.
Usage & Nuances
"Early" can describe time (arriving before a set hour), age (children with early skills), or a stage (early days). Common collocations: 'early morning', 'get up early', 'early bird'. Don't confuse with 'soon' (which means 'after a short time' rather than 'before expected').
Spanish: temprano - temprano (inicio) - prematuroPortuguese (BR): cedo - precocePortuguese (PT): cedo - prematuroChinese (Simplified): 早 - 过早Chinese (Traditional): 早 - 過早Hindi: जल्दी - प्रारंभिकArabic: مبكر - قبل الأوانBengali: আগে - দ্রুত - প্রাথমিকRussian: рано - раннийJapanese: 早く - 早いVietnamese: sớmKorean: 일찍 - 이른Turkish: erkenUrdu: جلدی - ابتدائیIndonesian: awal - lebih awal
Example Sentences
She always arrives early to work.
basic
The early bus leaves at 6 a.m.
basic
I woke up early to catch the sunrise.
natural
If you leave early, you'll avoid the traffic.
natural
She showed early talent for music.
natural
It is too early to eat lunch.
basic