What it means
とっくに means “already” or “a long time ago.” It shows that an action or change was completed well before the relevant time, often earlier than someone expects or considers necessary. It commonly appears before a verb or predicate and is especially natural with completed actions or states. Unlike a neutral “already,” it can emphasize that the matter should be finished by now.
Usage note
とっくに is stronger than もう and often suggests that a considerable amount of time has passed. It is mainly used in neutral or informal speech; in formal writing, a more explicit expression such as すでに may be preferable.
How to use it
私はとっくに宿題を終えました。
I finished my homework a long time ago.
私はとっくに宿題を終えた。
I finished my homework a long time ago.
Example sentences
図書館の返却期限はとっくに過ぎているので、今日中に本を返さなければならない。
Since the library book's return deadline passed a long time ago, I have to return the book today.
駅に着くころには、母はとっくに夕食を作り終えていた。
By the time I arrived at the station, my mother had already finished making dinner.
来月の文化祭の日程