What it means
すでに means “already” or “by then.” It shows that an action, condition, or change was completed or had become true before a relevant time or point of reference. It usually appears before the predicate and is common in both written and spoken Japanese. Depending on context, it can emphasize that something happened earlier than expected or that a previously mentioned situation is no longer new.
Usage note
すでに can overlap with もう, but it is often more neutral or formal and is especially common in writing and announcements. With a negative predicate, it can mean that something is no longer the case, so the exact meaning depends on the predicate and context.
How to use it
私はすでに報告書を書きました。
I have already written the report.
私はすでに報告書を書いた。
I have already written the report.
Example sentences
私が駅に着いたとき、友達はすでに切符を買っていました。
When I arrived at the station, my friend had already bought a ticket.
図書館はすでに春休みの開館時間をホームページで公開しました。
The library has already published its opening hours for spring break on its website.
父が帰宅したころには、母はすでに夕食を作