already

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 既 has 10 strokes; 既に is read すでに, and 既読 is read きどく.
• Basic usage: 既に indicates that something happened before a reference point; 既読 indicates that a message or similar item has been read.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An earlier event and a read receipt
  • 列車は既に出た後だった means that the train had already left. The reference point for 既に can be the past moment of arrival at the station, as well as the present.
  • 既読が付いた means that a read receipt appeared on a message. 既読 indicates read status without guaranteeing that a reply will arrive soon.