もう
Already, Anymore
Structure
もう + (Negative) Phrase
Explanation
In English, もう often corresponds to 'already' or 'anymore', with the appropriate translation depending on whether the sentence is affirmative in the past tense (already) or negative (anymore). The reason one Japanese word covers both meanings is that もう carries the core nuance that 'a situation has finished or changed, perhaps earlier than expected'.
- 宿題はもう終わった。I've already finished my homework. (You might have thought I hadn't, but the task is complete)
- もう時間がない。I'm out of time anymore. (You might have thought I still had time, but I don't)
Based on these examples, we can understand the function of もう in each context as follows.
(Past) - Used when an action, which one might have assumed was incomplete, is actually finished. This is 'already' in English.
(Negative) - Used when a state, which one might have assumed was ongoing, has ended. This is 'anymore' in English.
This contrasts with まだ, which implies that 'a situation is unexpectedly continuing'.
もう is also commonly used to form questions. In this case, the speaker suspects something may have concluded and is seeking confirmation.
- もう映画を見た？Did you already see the movie?
Fun Fact
もう is frequently used on its own as an expression of frustration, indicating that a person has reached their limit and does not wish to continue a conversation or activity.
- あ～もういい。Ugh, whatever. (I'm done with this and don't want to engage anymore)
Examples
もう宿題をしましたか。
Did you already do your homework?
もうその映画を見た。
I have already seen that movie.
もう部屋を掃除しました。
I already cleaned my room.
もう決めました。
I've already decided.
もう着いた。
He has already arrived.
そのレポートは、もう書きました。
I've already written that report.
飛行機の予約はもうしました。
I already made the flight reservation.
彼はもう子供じゃない。
He is no longer a child. (Not a child anymore)
田中さんは会社をもう出ました。
Mr. Tanaka has already left the office.
もうチケットを買った。
I already bought the tickets.
もうホテルを予約した。
I've already booked the hotel.
もうバスが出た。
The bus has already left.