# とっくに: long ago; already > Learn how to use とっくに, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning long ago; already, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-tokku-ni/ **とっくに** means **long ago; already**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **emphasize that something happened much earlier than expected**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **とっくに** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does とっくに mean? Use **とっくに** when you want to **emphasize that something happened much earlier than expected**. Natural translations include: - long ago; already - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form とっくに とっくに + Verb past / negative Examples of the pattern: - 宿題はとっくに終わった。 - 彼はとっくに帰りましたよ。 - その映画はとっくに見た。 In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is とっくに used? Use **とっくに** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## とっくに example sentences - 宿題はとっくに終わった。 — I finished my homework long ago. - 彼はとっくに帰りましたよ。 — He went home ages ago. - その映画はとっくに見た。 — I already saw that movie a long time ago. - 締め切りはとっくに過ぎている。 — The deadline passed long ago. - そんなことはとっくに知っている。 — I've known that for ages. After reading each sentence, ask what job **とっくに** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of とっくに The key nuance is **emphasize that something happened much earlier than expected**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **とっくに** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **もう**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## とっくに vs もう Both **とっくに** and **もう** can express related ideas, but they are different. **とっくに**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **もう**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 宿題はとっくに終わった。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **もう** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with とっくに Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **もう** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **とっくに**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is とっくに on the JLPT? Yes. **とっくに** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. That means learners should be able to: - recognize it in reading - understand its nuance in context - use it in simple original sentences For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for とっくに Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **とっくに**. - Write a second sentence with **もう** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for とっくに To learn **とっくに** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **とっくに** with **もう** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **とっくに** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n5 mou](/blog/n5-mou/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n3 sude ni](/blog/n3-sude-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 madashimo](/blog/n2-madashimo/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn とっくに with Hane If you want to review **とっくに** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)