Meaning
Used to indicate that one has received or experienced enough of something.
Cultural Background
Leaving a tiny bit of food on your plate used to signal that the host provided 'more than enough.' Today, saying '{もう|もう}{十分|じゅうぶん}です' is a clearer way to signal satisfaction without wasting food. In meetings, being concise is valued. Using this phrase to signal you've understood a point helps keep the meeting on track. When receiving a gift, you might say it is 'too much' ({十分|じゅうぶん}すぎます) to show humility and that you feel the gift exceeds your merit. Hosts will often push for 'one more' as a sign of care. Your use of '{もう|もう}{十分|じゅうぶん}です' must be firm but accompanied by a smile to maintain harmony.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this to decline food, hold your hand up vertically near your chest. It adds a visual layer of politeness.
Watch the 'Mou'
Forgetting 'mou' can make the phrase sound like a cold observation rather than a polite response.
Meaning
Used to indicate that one has received or experienced enough of something.
The Hand Gesture
When saying this to decline food, hold your hand up vertically near your chest. It adds a visual layer of politeness.
Watch the 'Mou'
Forgetting 'mou' can make the phrase sound like a cold observation rather than a polite response.
Combine with Gratitude
Always follow with 'Arigatou gozaimasu' or 'Gochisousama' to ensure you don't sound ungrateful.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite way to decline a second cup of tea.
お{茶|ちゃ}、もう{一杯|いっぱい}いかがですか？
Option B is polite and acknowledges the offer with gratitude.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence: 'I have already received enough help.'
{助|たす}けは（ ）{十分|じゅうぶん}です。
'Mou' (already) is the standard adverb used with 'juubun' in this context.
Match the tone of '{もう|もう}{十分|じゅうぶん}です}' to the situation.
Situation: A friend is telling the same boring story for the 5th time.
A sharp, flat tone indicates you are fed up with the repetition.
Complete the dialogue in a professional setting.
A: {資料|しりょう}を{追加|ついか}で{送|おく}りましょうか？ B: いいえ、（ ）。
Option C is the most professional and complete response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesお{茶|ちゃ}、もう{一杯|いっぱい}いかがですか？
Option B is polite and acknowledges the offer with gratitude.
{助|たす}けは（ ）{十分|じゅうぶん}です。
'Mou' (already) is the standard adverb used with 'juubun' in this context.
Situation: A friend is telling the same boring story for the 5th time.
A sharp, flat tone indicates you are fed up with the repetition.
A: {資料|しりょう}を{追加|ついか}で{送|おく}りましょうか？ B: いいえ、（ ）。
Option C is the most professional and complete response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's not rude if you use a polite tone and follow it with 'Arigatou gozaimasu.' However, 'Kekkou desu' is slightly more formal.
No, for time you should say 'Jikan wa tarite imasu' or 'Jikan wa arimasu.' 'Juubun' for time usually refers to the *quality* of time spent.
They are mostly the same. {十分} is more common for physical amounts (rice, money), while {充分} is for abstract things (sleep, preparation).
Yes, if you say it loudly and sharply, it means 'Enough! Stop it!'
'Mou ii desu' is more casual and can more easily sound dismissive or rude. 'Juubun' is safer.
Related Phrases
{結構|けっこう}です
similarThat's fine / No thank you.
{足|た}りました
similarIt was sufficient.
{満足|まんぞく}です
similarI am satisfied.
{限界|げんかい}です
contrastI'm at my limit.
{十分|じゅうぶん}すぎる
builds onMore than enough.
