既すでに

す

で

に

Common wordJLPTN3Freq.FrequencyTop 2,000

Meanings

1

adverb

already

usually written using kana alone

Indicates that something has already happened or is already the case by the time in question. Often used with past-tense or perfective expressions.

彼かれはすでに帰かえりました。
He has already gone home.
その本ほんはすでに読よんでしまった。
I've already finished reading that book.

2

adverb

previously; before

usually written using kana alone

Refers to something that was true or happened at an earlier time, often contrasted with the present. Common in formal or written contexts.

すでに述のべたように、計けい画かくは変へん更こうされました。
As previously stated, the plan has been changed.

3

adverb

undeniably; in the first place

usually written using kana alone

Used to emphasize that something is clearly the case or should be obvious, often with a nuance of 'to begin with' or 'needless to say'. Common in argumentative or explanatory speech.

すでに彼かれの実じつ力りょくは証しょう明めいされている。
His ability has already been undeniably proven.
すでにその話はなしは最さい初しょからおかしかった。
That story was strange in the first place.

Written forms

既すでにUsage23%
Standard kanji spelling; high-frequency in news and general writing.
すでにUsage77%
Kana spelling is very common and often preferred in everyday writing.
已すでにUsage<1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; learners will almost never encounter this spelling.

Kanji

既previously, already, long ago
已stop, halt, previously

Similar words

もう
もう is more colloquial and subjective, often expressing impatience or surprise. すでに is more formal and objective, focusing on the fact that something has already occurred.
とっくに
とっくに is casual and implies that something happened long ago, often with a nuance of 'ages ago'. すでに is neutral and simply states completion.

Etymology

Derived from classical Japanese 既 (すで, 'already') + particle に. The kanji 既 carries the meaning of 'already' or 'previously'.