もう
mō[mo̞ː]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'anymore' is expressed using もう (mō).
もう is a versatile word that can mean 'anymore' or 'no longer' when used in negative sentences. It can also mean 'already' when used in affirmative sentences. To express the specific notion of 'no more' or 'not anymore', you can use the combination もうこれ以上.
Which one should you use?
While もう translates to 'anymore' in negative contexts, it functions as 'already' in affirmative sentences. If you want to indicate that a limit has been reached or that something is beyond what is acceptable or tolerable, use これ以上.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'not… anymore', the word もう must be paired with a negative verb or adjective, forming the structure もう…ない.
How do you pronounce it?
mō
Did you know?
- Beyond its dictionary meaning, もう is often used as an exclamation of frustration or impatience, similar to saying 'Geez!' or 'Honestly!' in English.
- While the page notes that もう means 'already', in certain contexts it can also mean 'one more' or 'another' when paired with a counter, such as もう一つ for 'one more'.
- Some linguists suggest もう may have evolved from a topicalized version of the word for 'now', 今 'ima', through a series of phonetic contractions.
Examples in context
- もう逃げない。I won't run away anymore.This sentence is useful for using もう to say you won't do something anymore.Tatoeba #10934577 by small_snow, translation #11469404 by 58mph
- もう気にしない。I don't care anymore.This sentence is useful for using もう to say you don't care anymore.Tatoeba #8513385 by small_snow, translation #2271822 by CK
- もうわかんない。I don't even know anymore.This sentence is useful for using もう to say you don't know something anymore.Tatoeba #10623127 by small_snow, translation #10019196 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼の努力はもはや報われることはない。His efforts are no longer rewarded.
- これ以上待つことはできません。I can't wait anymore.
- 彼とはもう関わりたくない。I don't want to have anything to do with him anymore.
- もう彼女が好きじゃない。I don't like her anymore.
- 208 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is telling Ren that she is full after a big meal.
- 美咲 Misakiもう食べられません。mō taberaremasen.I can't eat anymore.
- 蓮 Ren残りは僕が食べるよ。nokori wa boku ga taberu yo.I'll eat the leftovers.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に？ありがとう。hontō ni? arigatō.Really? Thank you.
- 蓮 Ren気にしないで。ki ni shinaide.Don't worry about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry もう, 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.
