既

previously, already

JLPT N1 10 strokes

Kun'yomi: すで.に
On'yomi: キ

既 means "previously, already". It is a JLPT N1 kanji written in 10 strokes. It is read すで.に in native Japanese words (kun'yomi) and キ in compounds (on'yomi). It is taught beyond elementary school (junior high and up).

既 in example sentences

既婚者きこんしゃだよね？

Kikonsha da yo ne?

You're married, aren't you?
彼女かのじょは既すでに眠ねむっている。

Kanojo wa sudeni nemutte iru.

She's already sleeping.
メアリーは既婚きこん女性じょせいです。

Mearii wa kikon josei desu.

Mary is a married woman.

Example sentences from the Tatoeba Project, licensed CC-BY 2.0 FR.

Stroke order & writing

Want more? Practice writing from memory. Stroke-order and animation sources are on our credits page.

Common questions

What does the kanji 既 mean?: 既 means "previously, already". It is a JLPT N1 kanji.
How many strokes does 既 have?: 既 is written in 10 strokes.
How is 既 read?: It is read すで.に in native Japanese words (kun'yomi) and キ in compounds (on'yomi).
What JLPT level is 既?: 既 is a JLPT N1 kanji.

Explore on the kanji map → Practice kanji