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
It is too early to eat lunch.
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