Translation and Meaning of: 既に - sudeni

The Japanese word 既に [すでに] is a common adverb in the language, but it can cause doubts for beginner students. Its main meaning is "already" or "previously," indicating something that happened in the past or that is concluded. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of this expression, its origin, as well as tips for memorization and practical examples. If you are learning Japanese, understanding 既に is essential to building natural sentences in everyday life.

Meaning and usage of 既に

"既に" is an adverb that conveys the idea of something having already happened or being completed before the current moment. It is frequently used in both formal and informal situations, appearing in both writing and everyday speech. For example, when saying "既に終わった" (it has already ended), the speaker indicates that an action was completed prior to the present.

An interesting characteristic of this word is that it can carry a tone of surprise or inevitability, depending on the context. In some cases, it suggests that something happened sooner than expected. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the tone of the sentence to capture subtle nuances.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 既 is composed of the radicals 艮 (which can indicate stopping or resisting) and 旡 (related to something that no longer exists). This combination reinforces the idea of something that has already passed or has been completed. The reading すでに is one of the most common for this character, which can also be read as "ki" in compound words.

It is worth noting that 既に is often used in formal texts and documents, while the hiragana version (すでに) appears more in everyday language. This difference does not change the meaning, but it can influence the level of formality in communication.

Tips for memorization and correct usage

An effective way to remember the meaning of 既に is to associate it with situations where something has already happened. Think of phrases like "既に知っている" (I already know) or "既に食べた" (I have already eaten) to reinforce practical usage. Repeating these examples aloud helps to internalize the pronunciation and context.

Another useful tip is to observe the appearance of this word in animes, dramas, or Japanese news. Often, characters use 既に in dialogues that express conclusion or surprise. This natural exposure to the language facilitates learning and shows how natives use the term in their daily lives.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

すでに (sudeni) - Already; previously (indicates that something happened before the current moment)
とっくに (tokkuni) - Long ago; it emphasizes that something happened a long time ago.
もう (mou) - Already (can mean "more" or "already" depending on the context)
早くも (hayakumo) - Already; so soon (indicates that something happened earlier than expected)