The word "déjà", frequently used in French, can take on several meanings depending on the context. It often expresses a notion of past time, but its use varies to indicate surprise or even a question of memory, as in the question "what is it already?".
Déjà to express anteriority
In its most common use, "déjà" serves to indicate that an action or event has occurred before the present moment.
Examples:
- Il est déjà parti. (He has already left.)
- J'ai déjà vu ce film. (I have already seen this movie.)
Déjà to express surprise or incredulity
"Déjà" can also mark astonishment at how quickly something has happened or is expected to happen.
Examples:
- Comment, tu es déjà de retour ? (Wow, you're already back?)
- C'est déjà la fin ? (It's already the end?)
Déjà in questions: "C’est quoi déjà ?"
Used in a question, "déjà" can serve to solicit a reminder of information or a clarification on something forgotten or momentarily lost from memory.
Examples:
- C'est quoi déjà, le nom du réalisateur ? (What's the name of the director again?)
- Il travaille où déjà ? (Where does he work again?)
Déjà to reinforce an affirmation or a negation
In some cases, "déjà" can be used to reinforce an affirmation or a negation, often to underline the insufficiency or limitation of something.
Examples:
- Avec ce que ça coûte, tu as déjà de la chance d'y aller une fois ! (With what it costs, you're already lucky to go once!)
- Je n'aime pas trop les sucreries, déjà que je ne mange pas de chocolat. (I don't like sweets much, especially since I don't eat chocolate.)