JLPT N5 grammar

もうmeaning and usage

Meaning

もう means “already” in an affirmative statement, including when an action is already underway. With a negative form, it means “no longer”; before an amount, it means “another” or “more.”

How to form it

  • もうverb (ta-form)
  • もうverb (nai-form)
  • もうnumber + counter

How it is used

With a past form it means “already” (「もう食べた」); with a negative, “no longer” (「もう食べない」); before a quantity, “another” or “more” (「もう一つ」). For “not yet”, use 「まだ」 instead.

Examples

  1. もう5時を過ぎましたよ。

    It's already past five o'clock.

  2. コーヒーをもう一杯ください。

    Another cup of coffee, please.

  3. この靴はもう履きません。

    I won't wear these shoes anymore.

About the example Here もう means “already”: the time has passed five o'clock.