Meaning
The kanji 既 (KI, sude) primarily expresses the idea of "already," "previously," "some time ago," or "having finished." It signifies an action or state that has already occurred or been completed in the past. This core meaning underlies all its uses in Japanese.
Its etymological origin offers a fascinating glimpse into its meaning. In its ancient form, 既 was a pictograph depicting a person. This person (represented by the component 卩, meaning "person" or "kneeling") had just finished eating with a spoon or ladle (匕, meaning "spoon" or "ladle") and was turning their head away. This gesture directly symbolized completion, illustrating the concept of "having finished" or "already done." While the modern character has evolved, this fundamental idea of past completion or an established state persists.
Visually, the character 既 is composed of the radical 旡 (haguromai). Interestingly, this radical often means "lack" or "deficit," a meaning that doesn't directly correspond to the overall kanji's meaning. To better understand its structure, you can see the component 卩 (person) on the right side and 匕 (spoon) on the lower right. The left side can be imagined as an enclosure or a container. This arrangement subtly connects back to the original image of a person completing a meal or task.
The kanji 既 has a stroke count of 10. It is a Jōyō Kanji, meaning it's designated for general use. While not assigned to a specific elementary school grade, learners typically encounter it at the JLPT N1 level, indicating its advanced usage in Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi for 既 is キ (KI). This reading frequently appears in compound words. It combines with other kanji to form more complex meanings related to past events, established states, or completion. You'll often find it in more formal or technical contexts.
- 既定 (kitei) — established, predetermined. This refers to something already decided or set. For example, 既定路線 describes an established policy or course of action.
- 既婚 (kikon) — married (literally, already married). This term is used to describe a person's marital status, as in 既婚者, meaning a married person.
- 既存 (kison) — existing, current. This denotes something already present or in place. For instance, 既存のシステム means an existing system.
- 既成 (kisei) — established, existing, ready-made. Similar to 既定, this often refers to concepts or products that are already formed. Common examples include 既成概念 (preconceived notion) and 既製品 (ready-made goods).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi for 既 is すで (sude). This reading is almost exclusively used in its adverbial form, 既に (sude ni), meaning "already," "by now," or "previously." When written, it is often in hiragana (既に) rather than just the kanji 既 on its own.
- 既に (sude ni) — already, by now, previously. This is the most common usage of the kanji in its kun'yomi form. It functions as an adverb to indicate that an action or state has taken place before the current moment. For example, 既に到着している means "(he/she) has already arrived."
- 既に遅い (sude ni osoi) — it's already too late. This phrase emphasizes the irreversible lateness of an action or situation.
- 既に済ませた (sude ni sumaseta) — already finished/completed. This indicates that a task or action has been brought to completion.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 既 appears in many common and advanced Japanese words. These words often emphasize a state of completion, establishment, or prior existence. Here are several examples, categorized by their thematic connection to "Past/Completion":
- 既定路線 (kitei rosen) — An established policy or a predetermined course of action.
- 既婚者 (kikonsha) — A married person. This compound specifically uses 既 to mean "already" married.
- 既成概念 (kisei gainen) — A preconceived notion or an existing concept. It refers to ideas or beliefs that are already established.
- 既製品 (kiseihin) — Ready-made goods or a manufactured product. These are items that have already been produced.
- 既刊 (kikan) — Already published. This term is used for books, magazines, or other publications that have already been released.
- 既報 (kihō) — Already reported. Often used in formal contexts like news, meaning something conveyed previously, as in 既報の通り (as already reported).
- 既視感 (kishikan) — Déjà vu; the feeling of having already seen or experienced something. This word perfectly captures the essence of "already" in a psychological phenomenon.
- 既往症 (kiōshō) — Past medical history or an existing medical condition. This refers to illnesses or health issues that have occurred in the past.
- 既発 (kihatsu) — Already issued. Commonly used for financial instruments like 既発債券 (already issued bonds).
- 既知 (kichi) — Already known, well-known. This refers to information or facts that are already understood or recognized.
- 既約 (kiyaku) — Irreducible (in mathematics, e.g., a fraction that cannot be simplified further). It can also mean "already promised or agreed upon."
- 既に遅し (sude ni ososhi) — This idiomatic expression means "it is already too late."
Example Sentences
彼は既に会議室に到着しています。
Kare wa sude ni kaigishitsu ni tōchaku shite imasu.
He has already arrived in the meeting room.
その件は既に私が担当しました。
Sono ken wa sude ni watashi ga tantō shimashita.
I have already taken charge of that matter.
既婚者の方は受付でその旨お伝えください。
Kikonsha no kata wa uketsuke de sono mune otsutaekudasai.
Married individuals, please inform the reception accordingly.
既成概念に囚われず、新しい発想で物事を考えましょう。
Kisei gainen ni torawarezu, atarashii hassō de monogoto o kangaemashō.
Let's think about things with new ideas, without being bound by preconceived notions.
彼は既に次の計画を立てています。
Kare wa sude ni tsugi no keikaku o tatete imasu.
He has already made the next plan.
これは既報の事実と異なりますか。
Kore wa kihō no jijitsu to koto narimasu ka?
Does this differ from the previously reported facts?
彼女は既にその映画を見たことがあるらしい。
Kanojo wa sude ni sono eiga o mita koto ga aru rashii.
It seems she has already seen that movie.
既視感を覚えるのは不思議な感覚だ。
Kishikan o oboeru no wa fushigi na kankaku da.
Feeling déjà vu is a strange sensation.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 既, focus on its core meaning of "already" or "finished." Imagine a person (the component 卩 on the right, which resembles a kneeling figure) who has already finished eating with a spoon (the component 匕, which looks like a spoon or ladle, at the bottom right). They are turning their head away, signaling that their meal is complete. The left part of the kanji can be seen as the remnants of the meal or a container. This vivid visual story directly links the character's components to the idea of past completion: a person with a spoon, turning away from the food, because they've already finished eating!