既: the kanji for already
既 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means already. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
既 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
既 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 4 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
キ (ki)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 既婚きこん · kikon | married |
| 既成きせい · kisei | established; existing |
| 既存きそん · kison | existing |
すでに (sudeni)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 既にすでに · sude ni | already |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 着いたときには、既に会議が始まっていた。Tsuita toki ni wa, sude ni kaigi ga hajimatte ita.When I arrived, the meeting had already started.
- 申込書の既婚か未婚かに丸をつける。Mōshikomisho no kikon ka mikon ka ni maru o tsukeru.Circle married or single on the application form.
- 既成の考えにとらわれない。Kisei no kangae ni torawarenai.We are not bound by conventional ideas.
- 既存の設備を使って費用を抑えた。Kison no setsubi o tsukatte hiyō o osaeta.We kept costs down by using existing equipment.
- その本は既に読んだ。Sono hon wa sude ni yonda.I have already read that book.
Questions about 既
How many strokes does 既 have?
既 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 既?
The on readings are ki (キ). The kun readings are sudeni (すでに).
What JLPT level is 既?
N1. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N1 is designed to match the former Level 1.
More JLPT N1 kanji
Numbers, time and quantity
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 既
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.