もう means already or anymore. It is a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar pattern used to show completion, no longer, or additional amount depending on context.
This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to talk about actions that are already done or no longer true, もう is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences.
What does もう mean?
Use もう when you want to mark a change in time or amount.
Natural translations include:
- already
- not anymore
- another
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form もう
もう + affirmative past / もう + negative / もう + counter or noun
Examples of the pattern:
- もう食べました
- もう行きません
- もう一つ
Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is もう used?
Use もう in situations like:
- saying something already happened
- saying something will not happen anymore
- asking for another one
Tone and register:
- neutral and common
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions
もう example sentences
- もう昼ご飯を食べました。 — I already ate lunch.
- もう行きません。 — I will not go anymore.
- もう一度言ってください。 — Please say it one more time.
- 宿題はもう終わりました。 — My homework is already finished.
- もう少し待ってください。 — Please wait a little more.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, or obligation.
Nuance of もう
The key nuance is a change from before: completed, no longer, or additional.
This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For もう, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context.
For example:
- In conversation, it sounds time-focused and natural.
- Compared with まだ, it feels completed or changed rather than continuing.
もう vs まだ
Both もう and まだ can express related ideas, but they are different.
もう:
- means already with completed actions
- means anymore with negatives and more with quantities
まだ:
- means still or not yet
- shows continuation or incompletion
Quick contrast examples:
- もう食べました。— I already ate.
- まだ食べていません。— I have not eaten yet.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, or express obligation.
Common mistakes with もう
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Assuming もう has only one meaning
- Confusing もう with もっと, which means more to a greater degree
- Using もう when the action is not completed yet
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is もう on the JLPT?
Yes. もう is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for もう
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you already did homework.
- Say you will not go anymore.
- Ask for one more time.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn もう with Kanjiru
If you want to review もう together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N5 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here: