尽早

Using it is super simple. You usually place it right before the verb. For example, 尽早出发 means 'set off as early as possible.' It works like an adverb. You can use it to give advice. You can use it to make promises. It’s like adding a 'priority' sticker to your sentence. Just don't put it at the very end of the sentence. That's a common rookie mistake!

Use it whenever there is a deadline looming. It's perfect for work emails when you need a reply. It's great for making travel plans with friends. Use it when you're feeling sick and need to see a doctor. It sounds responsible and organized. If you're texting a friend about a popular restaurant, tell them to 尽早 get there. Nobody likes waiting in a two-hour line for dumplings!

Avoid using it for things that happened in the past. It’s a forward-looking word. Don't use it if there is absolutely no rush. If you tell someone to 尽早 eat their ice cream, it sounds a bit intense. Also, while it's polite, using it too much with a boss might sound like you're bossing them around. Use it sparingly with superiors. It’s a tool for action, not for nagging.

Chinese culture deeply values 'taking the initiative.' There is a famous saying: 'The early bird catches the worm.' 尽早 reflects this mindset. Being 'early' isn't just about time. It's about showing respect for other people's schedules. In a fast-paced city like Shanghai or Beijing, 尽早 is a way of life. It shows you are a 'reliable person' or 靠谱 (kàopǔ).

You might also hear 越早越好 (yuè zǎo yuè hǎo). That means 'the earlier the better.' It’s a bit more casual. Another one is 赶早 (gǎnzǎo), which is more colloquial. It implies 'hurrying to catch the early time.' But 尽早 is the most versatile. It fits in a business meeting or a casual chat. It’s the Swiss Army knife of 'early.'