1.
already
Indicates that something has happened before the expected time or before the current moment. More formal than もう.
彼は既に出発しました。
He has already departed.
その事実は既に知られています。
That fact is already known.
会議は既に終わっていた。
The meeting had already ended.
既に is a formal adverb meaning 'already.'
POSITION: Usually placed before the verb or at the beginning of a clause.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- もう: already (casual, everyday)
- 既に: already (formal, written)
[Register: Formal/Written]
The kanji 既 can also be read as き in compounds like 既婚 (married).