# すでに: already > Learn how to use すでに, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning already, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-sude-ni/ **すでに** means **already**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **state that something has already happened or is already the case**. This grammar point often appears in **neutral to formal** Japanese. If you want to **state that something has already happened or is already the case**, **すでに** is a useful pattern to learn. ## What does すでに mean? Use **すでに** when you want to **state that something has already happened or is already the case**. Natural translations include: - already - already - already The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form すでに
すでに + Verb / Predicate
Examples of the pattern: - すでに終おわった - すでに知しっている - すでに始はじまっている The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is すでに used? Use **すでに** in situations like: - formal reports - completed actions - existing states Tone and register: - neutral to formal - Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences ## すでに example sentences
会議かいぎはすでに始はじまっています。
The meeting has already started.
formal
その件けんについては、すでに知しっています。
I already know about that matter.
neutral
チケットはすでに売うり切きれました。
The tickets have already sold out.
report
彼かれはすでに帰かえりました。
He has already gone home.
neutral
この問題もんだいはすでに解決かいけつされています。
This problem has already been solved.
formal
After reading each sentence, ask what job **すでに** is doing: stating that something has already happened or is already the case. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of すでに The key nuance is **a slightly formal “already,” often used in reports or explanations**. This matters because **すでに** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener. For example: - In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance. - Compared with **[もう](/blog/n5-mou/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality. ## すでに vs もう
すでに
already — formal, objective, neutral
Use in reports, explanations, or when maintaining a calm distance.
会議かいぎはすでに始はじまっています。
The meeting has already started.
vs
もう
already — casual, everyday, direct
Use in conversation, personal statements, or when speaking quickly.
会議かいぎはもう始はじまっているよ。
The meeting's already started.
If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with すでに
❌
Using すでに when you mean “soon” (もうすぐ).
✅
電車はもうすぐ来ます。 — The train will arrive soon.
❌
Overusing すでに in very casual conversation.
✅
With friends, use もう instead: もう食べた？ — Have you already eaten?
❌
Treating すでに and 以前に as identical.
✅
Use 以前に for “previously” in a distant or prior-time sense; use すでに for an already-reached state.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **すでに**, then rewrite it with **もう**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is すでに on the JLPT?
N3
Yes. すでに is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.
Recognize it in reading and listening as a formal or neutral “already.”
Be ready to choose between すでに and もう in grammar questions.
Use it in simple original sentences, especially reports or explanations.
For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. ## Practice questions for すでに
1
Say the meeting has already started.
formal
2
Say tickets are already sold out.
neutral
3
Say a problem has already been solved.
report
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for すでに To learn **すでに** efficiently, review the formation first, then compare it with the closest existing grammar point before writing your own sentence.
1
First, make sure you can place すでに correctly before the verb or predicate without looking at the pattern chart.
2
Next, compare it with もう. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the formality gap.
3
Finally, write sentences where すでに is necessary; then check whether replacing it with もう, 上で, たとたん, or たて changes the meaning.
## Related grammar to review next - [もう](/blog/n5-mou/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article. - [上で（うえで）](/blog/n3-ue-de/) — because it helps you contrast timing, sequence, and “when” clauses. - [たとたん](/blog/n3-ta-totan/) — because it helps you contrast timing, sequence, and “when” clauses. - [たて](/blog/n3-tate/) — because it helps you contrast timing, sequence, and “when” clauses. ## Learn すでに with Hane If you want to review **すでに** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)