(きそん)

きそん
noun
existing; pre-existing
1. existing; pre-existing; already in place
Something that already exists or is already in place, as opposed to something newly created. Almost always used attributively as 既存(きそん)の.
既存(きそん)制度(せいど)見直(みなお)す。
To review the existing system.
(あたら)しい(あん)既存(きそん)のものより(すぐ)れている。
The new proposal is better than the existing one.
既存(きそん)建物(たてもの)(こわ)さずに改装(かいそう)して利用(りよう)する。
We will renovate and use the existing building rather than demolishing it.

Composed of () (already) + (そん) (to exist). Refers to what already exists, in contrast to something new. Read きそん, though きぞん is sometimes heard colloquially.

USAGE:

Almost always used attributively, with の before a noun:

  • 既存(きそん)のシステム: the existing system
  • 既存(きそん)建物(たてもの): an existing building
  • 既存(きそん)顧客(こきゃく): existing customers

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 現行(げんこう): current; in force — used for rules and systems currently in effect
  • 従来(じゅうらい): conventional; up to now — emphasizes 'as it has been until now'