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既
already · previously · heretofore
N1On: きKun: すでに
Memory Aid
The kanji 既 originally depicted a person having finished eating from a bowl, signifying something that is 'already' done or 'finished'.
The top part 艮 (stop/turn back) combined with the bottom suggests looking back or turning away from something that has 'already' happened, moving on from the past.
'KI' — You've ALREADY finished that task, now KICK back and relax!
Vocabulary
既にすでにalready, previously
既婚きこんmarried
既成きせいestablished, existing
既読きどくread (e.g., a message)
既定きていalready decided, established
Example Sentences
彼は既に会社を辞めていました。
He had already quit the company.
その既成概念にとらわれてはいけない。
You shouldn't be bound by those established ideas.
彼女は既婚者なので、交際できません。
She is married, so I cannot date her.
彼からのメッセージは既読になっていた。
The message from him had been read.