既(すで)に

すでに
adverb
already
formaldescriptive
1. already
Indicates that something has happened before the expected time or before the current moment. More formal than もう.
彼(かれ)は既(すで)に出発(しゅっぱつ)しました。
He has already departed.
その事実(じじつ)は既(すで)に知(し)られています。
That fact is already known.
会議(かいぎ)は既(すで)に終(お)わっていた。
The meeting had already ended.

既(すで)に is a formal adverb meaning "already," indicating that something has happened before the current moment or before expected.

Position in sentence

Usually placed before the verb or at the beginning of a clause. Works with both past and present tense.

Similar words

  • もう: already (casual, everyday — the most common equivalent)
  • とっくに: long ago, a long time already (emphatic, casual)

Register

More formal and literary than もう. Preferred in news articles, academic writing, business correspondence, and formal speech. In casual conversation, もう is the natural choice.

Writing

The kanji 既(すで) is also read き in compounds:

Related Words

Synonym: もう (already (casual))
Synonym: とっくに (long ago already (emphatic))
general
Added 2026.1.9 20:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 11:55
01500/01581_sudeni