Meaning and Usage
"既に" (すでに) means "already" and is often used to indicate that something has happened before the current moment. It is similar in meaning to "もう" but tends to be a bit more formal or written in tone.
Common Contexts
You will often see "既に" in news reports, formal writing, or polite conversation when emphasizing that an action or event has been completed.
Collocations and Patterns
- 既に + verb (past tense): to express that an action has already been completed.
- 既に + 〜ている: to indicate a state that has already been achieved.
Nuances
While "もう" is more common in casual speech, "既に" carries a slightly more formal or literary nuance. Avoid mixing "既に" with casual speech to maintain naturalness.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "既に" with "まだ" (not yet). Remember, "既に" always implies completion or that something has happened before now.