既に

• Reading: すでに
• Romaji: sudeni
• Kanji breakdown: 既 (ki/sude) — already, previously
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.de.ni/

Meaning

Already; previously. Indicates that something has been completed before the reference point.

An adverb that functions like もう (already) but is more formal and emphatic. Common in written Japanese, news, and business communication. Often paired with past tense or ている form to stress that an action is complete. Rarely used in casual conversation, where もう is preferred.

Examples

1. 会議が始まったとき、彼は既に帰っていた。 By the time the meeting started, he had already left.
2. そのニュースは既に知っています。 I already know about that news.
3. チケットは既に完売している。 The tickets are already sold out.

Usage Guide

Context: news, business, written communication

Tone: factual

Origin & History

From the kanji 既 (ki, already/previously), which depicts a person turning away from a food vessel after finishing a meal — the idea of 'already done.' Combined with the adverbial particle に.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal