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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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 — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- まだ — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- たことがある — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- いつも — 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:
FAQ about もう
What does もう mean in Japanese?
もう means “already or anymore” in Japanese. It is an N5 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is もう on the JLPT?
もう is taught as N5 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N5 patterns.
How should I practice もう?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after もう, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.