Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Already" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "already", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
すでに
すでに (sudeni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
既に
すでに (sudeni)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "already" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between すでに and 既に.
In Japanese, すでに (すでに (sudeni)) is typically associated with "already; before; previously" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An adverb indicating that something has happened or is completed prior to a specific point in time. Often used with past tense verbs..
On the other hand, 既に (すでに (sudeni)) maps to "already" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "already" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "すでに"
会議が始まる前に、私はすでに資料を準備しました。
I had already prepared the materials before the meeting started.
Bilingual Context for "既に"
私は既にに興味があります。
I am interested in already.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議が始まる前に、私は ＿＿＿ 資料を準備しました。" (Meaning: "I had already prepared the materials before the meeting started.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "すでに" fits here because it means "already; before; previously" in the context of: "I had already prepared the materials before the meeting started.". "既に" represents "already".