もう一つ
mō hitotsu
The English phrase "another one" can be expressed in Japanese as もう一つ (mō hitotsu).
もう一つ is used to refer to an additional item of the same kind as one already mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of もう (mō), meaning 'more' or 'another' and 一つ (hitotsu), which means 'one' using the general counter for inanimate objects.
Which one should you use?
While もう一つ means 'another one', the phrase もう一度 is used specifically to mean 'one more time' when referring to an action. Additionally, if the item being referred to is a long, cylindrical object such as a pencil or a bottle, you might use もう一本 instead of もう一つ.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object is long or cylindrical, もう一本 is the appropriate grammatical choice.
How do you pronounce it?
mō hitotsu
Did you know?
- To say 'another one' in a way that means 'a different one' rather than 'an additional one', Japanese speakers use 別の (betsuno). Using もう一つ when you actually want a replacement can lead to receiving two items.
- If you want 'another one' of a person, such as another teammate, you cannot use 一つ because it is for objects. You must use もう一人, as counting people with object counters is taboo.
- If you are ordering 'another one' of a drink at a bar, you might say おかわり instead of もう一つ. This term specifically refers to a refill or a second helping of a beverage.
Examples in context
- もう一つ別の物を見せて下さい。Please show me another one.This sentence is useful for requesting to see another one using もう一つ.Tatoeba #194349 by bunbuku, translation #31522 by CK
- コーヒーをもう一つお願いしますIf you would like to request another coffee in a formal setting, you can say, "コーヒーをもう一つお願いします"
- ケーキをもう一個お願いしますIf you'd like another piece of cake, you can say, "ケーキをもう一個お願いします"
- 追加で料理をお願いしますIf you'd like another dish at a formal dinner, you can say, "追加で料理をお願いします"
- これをもう一つ食べる？Do you want another one of these?
- うん、もう一つ食べるよ！Yes, I'll have another one!
- じゃあ、もう一個持ってきてあげるよ！Okay, I'll bring you another one!
- もう一つ、お願いします。mou hitotsu, onegaishimasu.Another one, please.
- 皿がもう一つ必要です。sara ga mou hitotsu hitsuyou desu.I need one more plate.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Yota and Misaki are sharing desserts.
- 美咲 Misakiこれ、すごく美味しいね。kore, sugoku oishii ne.This is really delicious, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。もう一つ頼もうか？hontou dane. mou hitotsu tanomou ka?It really is. Shall we order another one?
- 美咲 Misaki賛成！ケーキをもう一つ食べたい。sansei! keeki wo mou hitotsu tabetai.I agree! I want to eat another piece of cake.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、店員さんを呼ぶよ。jaa, tenin-san wo yobu yo.Then, I'll call the waiter.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
