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Already / not anymore
Definition
The grammar pattern "もう" is used to express that an action has already been completed or a state has ended. It has two uses depending on the polarity of the sentence. When used positively, "もう" is followed by a past verb form to indicate that the action has already been completed. For example, "もう昼ご飯を食べました" means "I have already eaten lunch." When used negatively, "もう" is followed by "ない" or "ません" to indicate that a state has ended. For example, "お金がもうありません" means "I don't have any money anymore."
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past verb form | もう + Verb (past) | もう食べました |
| Negative past verb form | もう + ない / ません | もうありません |
| Past tense of する | もう + する (past) | もうしました |
Examples
もう昼ご飯を食べました。
mō hiru gohan o tabemashita.
I have already eaten lunch.
もう (already) + 食べました (past tense of 食べる)
お金がもうありません。
okane ga mō arimasen.
I don't have any money anymore.
もう (already) + ありません (negative past tense of ある)
「宿題をしましたか。」「はい、もうしました。」
「shuku dai o shimashita ka.」「hai, mō shimashita.」
Q: Did you do your homework? A: Yes, I have already done it.
もう (already) + しました (past tense of する)
もう来週は休みです。
mō raishū wa yasumi desu.
I won't have any days off next week.
もう (already) + です (present tense of ある)
もう来週は休みません。
mō raishū wa yasumimasen.
I won't have any days off next week.
もう (already) + ません (negative present tense of ある)
Context
The grammar pattern "もう" is used to express that an action has already been completed or a state has ended. It is often contrasted with "まだ" (still/not yet). "もう" is used in formal and informal situations, but it is more common in formal situations. It is also used in writing and speaking.
Watch out
Using present tense with "もう" can make the sentence sound unnatural and incorrect.
Both "もう" and "まだ" are used to express time, but they have different meanings and uses.
Using negative present tense with "もう" can make the sentence sound unnatural and incorrect.
Strategy
When using "もう" in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct tense and form. Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Also, be careful not to confuse "もう" with "まだ".
Related
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows もう used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
もう昼ご飯を食べました。
Pattern used: もう
もう + past tense means 'already did'. I already ate lunch. まだ would imply 'not yet' in this context.
お金がもうありません。
Pattern used: もう
もう + negative means 'not anymore'. I don't have money anymore. まだ + negative would mean 'not yet'.
「宿題をしましたか。」「はい、もうしました。」
Pattern used: もう
もう is the natural positive reply to match a 'have you done it?' question. はい、もうしました means 'Yes, I already did it'.
Interactive
______昼ご飯を食べました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.