すでに | Grammar

Structure

すでに + [sentence]

Formal adverb; placed before the verb/predicate it modifies. Often pairs with ている, た, etc.

Description

すでに is a formal adverb meaning "already". It indicates that something has already taken place, has already been completed, or is already the case at the time of speaking. It emphasizes that a state or event occurred before the expected or referenced point in time.

Comparison with もう

Both すでに and もう can translate to "already," but they differ in register and nuance:

すでに is more formal and literary, commonly found in written language, news, announcements, and formal speech.
もう is more casual and conversational, used freely in everyday spoken Japanese.

。

That fact is already known.

。

That fact is already known.

Both sentences mean the same thing, but the first sounds more formal or written.

Usage patterns

すでに typically appears before the verb or adjective it modifies and is often paired with ～ている, ～た, or ～ていた forms to highlight that something is in a completed or resultant state.

。

The train had already departed.

。

Applications have already been closed.

It can also be used to express that it is too late to change the situation:

だっ。

It was already too late.

Common collocations

すでに frequently appears with expressions like ごぞんじご存じ (you know), しゅうち周知 (well-known), かんりょう完了 (completed), and けってい決定 (decided):

、。

You may already know this, but new rules will start next month.

Examples

。

He has already arrived at the airport.

。

I have already seen that movie.

、。

When the meeting started, she had already gone home.

。

This problem has already been resolved.

。

It's already too late.

。

That information has already been made public.

。

The deadline has already passed, you know.

。

I didn't know that he was already married.

、。

As you may already know, the company president has changed.

、。

When I arrived at the store, a long line had already formed.

。

The tickets are already sold out.

、。

The plan has already been decided, so it cannot be changed.

References

すでにBunpro