既に
Meanings
Indicates that something has already happened or is already the case by the time in question. Often used with past-tense or perfective expressions.
He has already gone home.
I've already finished reading that book.
Refers to something that was true or happened at an earlier time, often contrasted with the present. Common in formal or written contexts.
As previously stated, the plan has been changed.
undeniably; in the first place
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.
His ability has already been undeniably proven.
That story was strange in the first place.
Usage patterns
- 既に〈動詞〉ているto already be doing / to have already done
The meeting has already started.
- 既に〈事〉であるto already/undeniably be the case
That is already a well-known fact.
- 既に〈時〉には〈動詞〉ていたhad already done by a certain point in time
By the time he arrived, everyone had already gone home.
- 既に〈数〉に達しているto have already reached a certain amount
The number of participants has already reached one hundred.