Use 'mou' for 'already' in positive sentences and 'no more' in negative ones.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate that an action is already completed.
- Used in negative sentences to mean 'no more'.
- Essential for expressing time and state changes in daily life.
概要：『もう』は日常会話で非常に頻繁に使われる基本的な副詞です。肯定文では「すでに（already）」、否定文では「これ以上〜ない（not anymore）」という対照的な意味を持ちます。
- 1使用パターン：肯定文では過去形や完了形と結びつきやすく、「もう食べました」「もう行きました」のように使います。一方、否定文では「もう食べません」「もう行きません」のように、動作の終了や限界を示します。
Examples
もう宿題を終えました。
everydayI have already finished my homework.
これ以上はもう話せません。
formalI cannot talk about this anymore.
もう行く時間だよ。
informalIt's already time to go.
実験はもう完了しております。
academicThe experiment has already been completed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
もういいです
I've had enough / No thank you
もうすぐ着く
Arriving soon
もう一度お願いします
One more time, please
Often Confused With
Already. It is more formal and written than 'mou'.
Still/Not yet. It expresses continuity or lack of completion, the opposite of 'mou'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'mou' in positive sentences to emphasize completion. In negative sentences, it indicates a limit or cessation of an action. It is highly versatile and used in both casual and polite registers.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget to use the past tense when using 'mou' for 'already'. Also, confusing 'mou' with 'mada' is common, so remember that 'mou' is for completion and 'mada' is for non-completion.
Tips
Pair with past tense for clarity
When using 'mou' for 'already,' pair it with past tense verbs. This makes the completion of the action very clear.
Watch your tone with 'mou ii'
Saying 'mou ii' can sound dismissive or angry depending on your intonation. Be careful when using it in formal settings.
Common in polite social interactions
Japanese speakers often use 'mou' to soften refusals, such as 'mou kekkou desu' (I'm fine, thank you).
Word Origin
The word 'mou' derives from ancient Japanese forms expressing the progression of time. It has evolved to cover both the meaning of 'already' and 'no more' through its usage in different sentence polarities.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'mou' is deeply tied to the Japanese cultural emphasis on timing and completion. It is a polite way to signal that a task is done or that one has reached their limit without being overly blunt.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mou' as 'More... no!' (I've had enough). Or simply associate it with the 'already' feeling of finishing a task.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「もう」は完了や変化を表しますが、「まだ」は未完了や継続を表します。対照的な関係にあるため、セットで覚えると効率的です。
はい、現在形や未来形でも使えます。例えば「もうすぐ着く」のように、近い将来を表すときにも頻繁に登場します。
文脈によりますが、主に「これ以上必要ない」という拒絶や、「十分だ」という満足、あるいは怒りを含んだ諦めを表すことがあります。
基本的には動詞が続きます。肯定文では完了した動作、否定文ではこれ以上行わない動作を指す言葉が続きます。
Test Yourself
お腹がいっぱいです。___食べられません。
否定文で「これ以上〜ない」を表すため「もう」が適切です。
宿題について正しいのはどれですか？
完了を表す「もう」は過去形と相性が良いです。
（帰りました / もう / 彼は）
副詞の「もう」は動詞の直前に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'mou' for 'already' in positive sentences and 'no more' in negative ones.
- Used to indicate that an action is already completed.
- Used in negative sentences to mean 'no more'.
- Essential for expressing time and state changes in daily life.
Pair with past tense for clarity
When using 'mou' for 'already,' pair it with past tense verbs. This makes the completion of the action very clear.
Watch your tone with 'mou ii'
Saying 'mou ii' can sound dismissive or angry depending on your intonation. Be careful when using it in formal settings.
Common in polite social interactions
Japanese speakers often use 'mou' to soften refusals, such as 'mou kekkou desu' (I'm fine, thank you).
Examples
4 of 4もう宿題を終えました。
I have already finished my homework.
これ以上はもう話せません。
I cannot talk about this anymore.
もう行く時間だよ。
It's already time to go.
実験はもう完了しております。
The experiment has already been completed.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
