BackGrammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 15
Structure of もう:
もう + (Past) Phrase
もう + (Negative) Phrase
Details about もう:
In English, もう is regularly translated to 'already', or 'anymore', depending on if it is used in a positive-past (already), or negative (anymore) sentence. The reason that Japanese only requires one word for both of these nuances is due to もう literally meaning 'something has unexpectedly ended'.
(Past) - Although expected to not be done, it is. 'Already', in English.
(Negative) - Although expected to still be going, it isn't. 'Anymore', in English.
This is the opposite of まだ, which means 'something is unexpectedly still going'.
もう may also be used to ask questions. This is when the speaker thinks that something 'might' have ended, but wants to confirm.
- 朝ごはんはもう食べた。I already ate breakfast. (Although you probably didn't expect it, I have already eaten breakfast)
- もうお金がない。I don't have any more money. (Although you probably didn't expect it, I have no money)
(Past) - Although expected to not be done, it is. 'Already', in English.
(Negative) - Although expected to still be going, it isn't. 'Anymore', in English.
This is the opposite of まだ, which means 'something is unexpectedly still going'.
もう may also be used to ask questions. This is when the speaker thinks that something 'might' have ended, but wants to confirm.
- もうデザートを食べた？Did you already eat dessert?
もう
Usage Notes for もう:
Synonyms for もう:
すでに
Already, Too late
まだ
Still, Not yet
まだ
Still, Not yet
Example of もう
もう学校に行きましたか。
Did you already go to school?
もうその本を読んだ。
I have already read that book.
もうコーヒーを作りました。
I already made coffee.
もうしました。
I already did it.
もう帰った。
They already went home.
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