Learning how to express the word “already” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to convey this concept, providing you with a range of tips and examples to help you grasp its usage. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner of Japanese, this article will equip you with the necessary knowledge to express “already” confidently in various contexts.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Already” in Japanese
1. すでに (Sude ni)
Example: 彼はすでに来ました。(Kare wa sude ni kimashita.) – He has already arrived.
2. 既に (Mizuni)
Example: 既に手紙を出しました。(Mizuni tegami o dashimashita.) – I have already sent the letter.
3. とうに (Toni)
Example: 彼女はとうに帰りました。(Kanojo wa to ni kaerimashita.) – She has already returned home.
Informal Ways to Say “Already” in Japanese
1. もう (Mou)
Example: もう食べましたか？(Mou tabemashita ka?) – Have you eaten already?
2. すでっちゃ (Sudeccha)
Example: もうすでっちゃ食べちゃったよ。(Mou sudeccha tabecchatta yo.) – I went ahead and ate it already.
3. もうしといた (Moushi toita)
Example: レポート、もうしといたから。(Repo-to, moushi toita kara.) – I already took care of the report.
Tips for Using “Already” in Japanese
1. Context Matters: Pay attention to the context before choosing the appropriate term for “already.” Use formal expressions in serious or formal situations, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
2. Politeness Levels: Consider the politeness level required in a conversation. The informal ways may be suitable when talking with close friends or family members, but it’s advisable to use formal expressions when addressing supervisors, colleagues, or strangers.
3. Verb Conjugation: The word “already” can be placed before the conjugated verb to create the desired meaning. For example, “already ate” would be expressed as 「もう食べました」(mou tabemashita).
Examples of “Already” in Japanese Sentences
- もう宿題を終えました。(Mou shukudai o oemashita.) – I have already finished my homework.
- 彼はすでに結婚しています。(Kare wa sude ni kekkon shiteimasu.) – He is already married.
- もう行っちゃったみたい。(Mou icchatta mitai.) – It seems like they have already left.
- 彼女は既に日本に到着しました。(Kanojo wa mizuni Nihon ni touchaku shimashita.) – She has already arrived in Japan.
- もう買ったばかりです。(Mou katta bakari desu.) – I just bought it already.
By familiarizing yourself with the various expressions and practicing their usage in different scenarios, you’ll be able to communicate the concept of “already” accurately and confidently in Japanese.
