Translation and Meaning of: 疾っくに - tokkuni

The Japanese word 疾っくに (とっくに) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you have encountered this term in texts, dialogues, or even in animes, you may have noticed that it conveys the idea of something that happened a long time ago – and it's not by chance. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, usage, and particularities of this expression, as well as understand how it fits into the everyday life of Japanese speakers.

If you are learning Japanese or just curious about the language, knowing words like とっくに is essential for expanding your vocabulary and better understanding the nuances of the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations, and today we will uncover everything that makes this expression so useful and unique.

Meaning and use of とっくに

疾っくに (とっくに) is an adverb that indicates something has happened a long time ago, often earlier than expected. In English, it can be translated as "long ago," "it’s been a while," or "for a long time." The word carries a tone of certainty, suggesting that the action or situation is not recent and may even have been forgotten by some.

An important detail is that とっくに usually appears in informal contexts, being more common in speech than in formal texts. For example, if someone asks if you have already finished a report, responding with "とっくに終わったよ" (I finished a long time ago) conveys a sense that the task was completed without delay, almost naturally.

Origin and writing of とっくに

The written form 疾っくに is less common than the hiragana version (とっくに), but it's still worth knowing its kanji. The character 疾 means "fast" or "swift," which makes sense when we consider the meaning of the word – after all, it refers to something that has happened quickly or sooner than expected. Despite this, many Japanese people prefer to use only hiragana in their daily lives.

It is worth noting that although kanji writing exists, it rarely appears in modern materials. This is because some words end up being simplified over time, especially those that are more commonly used in spoken language. If you are reading a text and come across とっくに, know that it is perfectly normal and widely accepted.

Tips for memorizing and using とっくに

An effective way to fix the meaning of とっくに is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of something you did a long time ago, like watching a movie or visiting a place. Using the word in sentences like "とっくに見た" (I watched it a long time ago) helps to internalize its use naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in animes or Japanese dramas, where とっくに appears quite frequently. Often, characters use this word to express that they already knew something or that an action was completed earlier than expected. This type of exposure to real language makes it easier to memorize and understand the appropriate context.