「yet / just / already」の違いは？現在完了での使い分けと感情ニュアンスを解説

In English, yet, just, and already are all connected to time.

They often appear with the present perfect tense (have/has + Verb 3)

You might understand the basic meanings.

But the advanced uses - especially in questions and tone - can be confusing.

Let’s look at how these adverbs really work in modern English.

1. Basic Meanings (Quick Review)

Yet

Used for something expected, but not finished.

I haven’t finished yet.

Have you eaten yet?

Already

Used for something earlier than expected.

I’ve already finished.

She’s already left.

Just

Used for something very recent.

I’ve just finished.

He’s just arrived.

2. Positive Questions with “Already”

This is where learners often get confused.

You may think already only appears in positive sentences.

But it is also very common in questions.

Meaning shift:

When used in a question, already often shows surprise or expectation.

Examples:

Have you finished already?

(You finished sooner than I expected.)

Are you leaving already?

(It feels too soon.)

Did you eat already?

(I thought you would eat later.)

Tone:

Surprised

Impressed

Slightly emotional

It is not neutral like yet. It’s not asking about a fact. It is showing our emotion and feeling.

3. “Yet” vs “Already” in Questions

Compare:

Have you finished yet?

Neutral. Just asking for status.

Have you finished already?

Shows surprise. Feels earlier than expected.

Quick contrast:

Have you eaten yet?

(Checking if it’s done.)

Have you eaten already?

(Surprised you ate so early.)

Both are correct.

But the feeling is different.

4. “Just” vs “Already”

These are sometimes confused.

Both refer to completed actions.

But the timing focus differs.

Just = very recent

I’ve just finished my homework.

(Only a moment ago.)

Already = earlier than expected

I’ve already finished my homework.

(Finished sooner than planned.)

Compare:

I’ve just arrived.

(Arrived now.)

I’ve already arrived.

(Arrived sooner than expected.)

5. Sentence Placement

Already and Just usually appear before the main verb.

Examples:

I have already eaten.

She has just left.

In negative sentences:

Yet usually comes at the end.

I haven’t finished yet.

He hasn’t replied yet.

6. Emotional Tone Differences

These adverbs carry emotional nuance.

Already Sentence

Earlier than expected / Sharing surprising information

It’s only 11am, but I have already eaten lunch.

Already Question

Surprise / speed / impatience

You’re done already? That was fast.

Just

Fresh news / immediacy

I’ve just heard the news.

Yet

Expectation / waiting

I haven’t heard anything yet.

7. Common Learner Mistakes

✘ I finished just my homework.

✔ I’ve just finished my homework.

(Incorrect word order)

✘ I didn’t eat already.

✔ I haven’t eaten yet.

(We don’t use already in negative sentences)

✘ Have you just finished already?

(Overlapping time signals)

Use one, not both.

8. Practice

Choose the best option: just / yet / already

1. Have you finished ___? I’m waiting.

2. You’re leaving ___? The party just started.

3. I’ve ___ spoken to him. You don’t need to call.

4. She hasn’t replied ___.

Conclusion

Yet, just, and already all describe time.

But they express different feelings.

Yet = expectation or waiting

Just = very recent

Already = sooner than expected

Understanding tone - not just grammar - will help you sound more natural and expressive in English.

Answers:

1. yet

2. already

3. already / just

4. yet