既に
Already, Too late
Structure
Explanation
The adverb 既に is a more formal way to say 'already' in Japanese, similar to もう. It is typically placed before the part of the sentence that it is modifying, indicating that an action or state is 'already (A)'.
- 会議はすでに始まっている。The meeting has already started.
- すでに宿題は終わっています。The homework is already finished.
すでに carries a few other subtle meanings in Japanese beyond simply 'already'. Let's explore some of these nuances:
のこらず - Completely; with nothing left.
あまねく - Universally; everywhere.
ことごとく - In every case; entirely.
もはや - Already; by this time.
まぎれもなく - Undeniably; without a doubt.
While these meanings might appear distinct, they all contribute to the core concept of 既に: a state that is 'complete and unalterable'. Let's examine how すでに is used to express each of these specific ideas.
- もうすでにそのパンは売り切れでした。That bread was already completely sold out. (Nothing remains)
- その事実はすでに世界中の人に知られている。That fact is already known to people all over the world. (Universal opinion)
- すでにすべての書類は準備されていた。Already, all of the documents had been prepared. (Altogether)
- まだ四月なのに、もうすでに夏のように暑いです。It's only April, but it's already hot like it's summer.
- この話はすでに終わった問題だから、もう変更はできない。This matter is already a settled issue, so it can't be changed now. (Beyond doubt)
Caution
Because 既に suggests that a state is final and cannot be altered, it frequently carries the nuance of 'it's too late', implying that the situation is now out of one's hands.
- そのお店はすでに閉まっていました。That shop had already closed. (And there is nothing that can be done about it)
Examples
そのメールは既に送信しました。
I have already sent that email.
その問題は既に解決しています。
That problem has already been solved.
駅に着いたときには、電車は既に出発した後だった。
The train had already departed by the time I arrived at the station.
映画はもう既に始まっていますよ。
The movie has already started, you know.
既に聞いていると思いますが、来週から新しい上司が来ます。
You may have already heard, but we're getting a new boss next week.
彼女をデートに誘おうとしたら、既に予定が入っていた。
When I tried to ask her out on a date, she already had plans.
家に帰ったら、夕食は既に準備されていた。
Dinner was already prepared when I got home.
季節は既に春だというのに、まだ寒い日が続く。
Even though it's already spring, the cold days continue.
申し込みの期間は既に終わっています。
The application period has already ended.
この席は既に誰かが座っています。
Someone is already sitting in this seat.
消防車が到着したとき、火の勢は既に手に負えなくなっていた。
By the time the fire trucks arrived, the blaze was already out of control.