adverb
already
A1
Means 'already', indicating something happened earlier or sooner than expected. Common temporal adverb; typically follows auxiliaries (Ich habe schon gegessen) and often appears before main verb or after subject. No inflection. Can also add emphasis or soften a reply. Spanish equivalent: 'ya'.
Examples
Ich habe das Buch schon gelesen.
I've already read that book.
Die Sitzung begann schon, bevor der Direktor den Raum betrat.
The meeting had already started before the director entered the room.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a clock that already (schon) shows the time
like English 'shone' — something that already shone
Notes
schon can also emphasize surprise (Das ist schon toll!).