Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Already" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "already", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
既に
すでに (sudeni)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もはや
もはや (mohaya)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "already" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 既に and もはや.
In Japanese, 既に (すでに (sudeni)) is typically associated with "already" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, もはや (もはや (mohaya)) maps to "already, no longer" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "already" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "既に"
私は既にに興味があります。
I am interested in already.
Bilingual Context for "もはや"
私はもはやに興味があります。
I am interested in already, no longer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in already.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "既に" fits here because it means "already" in the context of: "I am interested in already.". "もはや" represents "already, no longer".