もう
mō[mo̞ː]
The English phrase 'already' is translated into Japanese using もう (mō) as the default form. Wiktionary also lists 既に (súde ni) and とっくに (tokku ni).
Meaning: prior to some time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| もう | mō | [mo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 既に | súde ni | [sɨde̞ɲ̟i] (narrow) |
| とっくに | tokku ni | [to̞k̚kɯ̟ɲ̟i] (narrow) |
The word is used to describe something that has occurred prior to a specific time. While もう can mean 'already', 'more' or 'anymore' depending on the context and whether the sentence is positive or negative, other forms like 既に or とっくに provide different nuances of timing and formality.
Which one should you use?
既に is a more formal or written version of already compared to the conversational もう. For emphasizing that something happened much earlier than expected, often translated as 'long ago', you should use とっくに.
How do you pronounce it?
mō
Did you know?
- In conversational Japanese, もう is often used as an interjection to express frustration or impatience, similar to how an English speaker might sigh and say 'Geez!' or 'Honestly!'
- The pronunciation of もう is the result of a historical sound shift where the diphthong /au/ eventually transformed into the long vowel /oː/.
- While もう can mean 'already', it is also used to say 'more' or 'another'. For example, ordering もう一杯 means you would like 'one more glass'.
Examples in context
- もう暗いよ。It is already dark.This sentence shows how to use もう to describe a state like darkness.Tatoeba #194357 by bunbuku, translation #31530 by CK
- もう7時よ。It's already seven.This sentence uses もう to state the time.Tatoeba #194512 by tommy__san, translation #31683 by CK
- もう６時だ。It's six o'clock already.This sentence uses もう to indicate the time has already reached six o'clock.Tatoeba #194513 by bunbuku, translation #31687 by CK
- 彼はすでに来ています。He has already arrived.
- もうお帰りになりましたか？Have you already gone home?
- もう終わった？Have you already finished?
- もう完了したよ！It's already done!
- 622 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about dinner.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太、お腹すいた？Yōta, onaka suita?Yota, are you hungry?
- 陽太 Yotaうん。もう夕食の時間だよね。Un. mō yūshoku no jikan da yone.Yeah. It's already time for dinner, right?
- 陽葵 Himariそうね。準備しようか。Sō ne. Junbi shiyō ka.You're right. Shall we get ready?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。手伝うね。Ii yo. Tetsudau ne.Sure. I'll help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “already” translations and entries もう, 既に, とっくに, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries もう, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
