# もう: already or anymore > Learn how to use もう, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning already or anymore, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-mou/ **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.
completion
もう行きません。
I will not go anymore.
negative
もう一度言ってください。
Please say it one more time.
addition
宿題はもう終わりました。
My homework is already finished.
completion
もう少し待ってください。
Please wait a little more.
quantity
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
already / anymore / another
Completed actions, negatives, and quantities
もう食べました。
I already ate.
vs
まだ
still / not yet
Continuation or incompletion
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
❌ Assuming もう has only one meaning
✅ Remember that もう means already, anymore, or another depending on what follows.
❌ Confusing もう with もっと, which means more to a greater degree
✅ Use もっと for "more" to a greater degree, and もう for already / anymore / another.
❌ Using もう when the action is not completed yet
✅ Use まだ for actions that are not yet done or still ongoing.
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?
N5

Yes. もう is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

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
1 Say you already did homework. production
2 Say you will not go anymore. production
3 Ask for one more time. production
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for もう Use **もう** as part of your **JLPT N5** time, sequence, and experience grammar toolkit. Put the events on a timeline before translating. Ask what happens first, what continues, what has not happened yet, or what has already happened, then choose the pattern that matches that point in time.
1 Form a simple sentence with もう without looking at the pattern chart.
2 Compare it with まで to see how time limits differ from completion.
3 Add まだ or たことがある to see how the basic meaning changes.
4 Contrast もう with もっと to avoid the common beginner mix-up.
5 Put events on a timeline and choose the pattern that matches the point in time.
For practice, keep the sentence short: write one example with **もう**, one example with a different subject or time word, and one example that contrasts it with a related pattern below. ## Related grammar to review next - [まで](/blog/n5-made/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [まだ](/blog/n5-mada/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [たことがある](/blog/n5-ta-koto-ga-aru/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [いつも](/blog/n5-itsumo/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. ## Learn もう with Hane If you want to lock in the difference between already, anymore, and another, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)