もう

The adverb もう has several important uses in Japanese, depending on the context and what it is paired with.

Already (with affirmative sentences)

When used with affirmative verbs (especially past tense or ～ている forms), もう means "already", indicating that something has been completed or a state has been reached.

Not anymore (with negative sentences)

When paired with a negative verb, もう means "not anymore" or "no longer", indicating that a previous state or action has ended.

Be careful not to confuse this with まだ, which means "still" (affirmative) or "not yet" (negative). Compare:

• もうたべた食べた – I already ate.
• まだたべていない食べていない – I haven't eaten yet.
• もうたべない食べない – I won't eat anymore.
• まだたべている食べている – I'm still eating.

More / another (with counters and quantities)

When placed before a counter or quantity word, もう means "more" or "another".

Soon (もうすぐ)

The combination もうすぐ means "soon" or "any moment now", implying that something is about to happen.

Exclamatory もう

In casual speech, もう can be used on its own or at the start of a sentence to express frustration, exasperation, or impatience, similar to "geez" or "come on" in English.