すでに
sudeni
The English phrase 'déjà' (in the sense of 'already') is expressed in Japanese using すでに (sudeni).
すでに is an adverb used to indicate that something has already happened.
Which one should you use?
すでに is formal and written. In casual daily conversation, the more common, informal way to say 'already' is もう. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to the feeling of 'déjà vu', you should use the formal expression 既視感 (きしかん), meaning 'sense of having seen before'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
すでに is used in formal writing, news reports and professional speeches rather than casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
すでに is an adverb and typically precedes the verb it modifies, often appearing earlier in the sentence than the verb itself.
How do you pronounce it?
sudeni
Did you know?
- The kanji used in すでに is 既, which is the same character used in the word 既婚 for 'married'. This implies that being married is a state that has 'already' been established.
- While すでに is strictly for 'already', the casual alternative もう can also mean 'more' or 'another', such as when asking for 'one more' drink.
- While すでに is the dictionary standard for 'already', using it in a casual chat with friends might make you sound like a news anchor or a character in a historical drama.
Examples in context
- あの場所で既視感を覚えます。I have a sense of déjà vu in that place.
- この場面、よくある感じがする。This scene gives me a familiar feeling.
- すでに準備は終わっています。sudeni junbi wa owatte imasu.The preparations are already finished.
- 彼はすでに家を出ました。kare wa sudeni ie o demashita.He has already left the house.
- そのニュースはすでに知っています。sono nyuusu wa sudeni shitte imasu.I already know that news.
Example conversation
Himari and Kenta are talking about a movie.
- 陽葵 Himariこの映画を見に行かない？Kono eiga o mi ni ikanai?Do you want to go see this movie?
- 健太 Kentaごめん、それはすでに見たよ。Gomen, sore wa sudeni mita yo.Sorry, I've already seen that one.
- 陽葵 Himari本当？どうだった？Hontō? Dō datta?Really? How was it?
- 健太 Kentaとても面白かったよ。Totemo omoshirokatta yo.It was very interesting.
