もう

もう has two main uses at the N5 level. First, it indicates that something has happened by now or earlier than expected, similar to “already.” In this use, it is combined with the past tense. Second, with a negation, もう means “no longer” or “anymore,” implying that a state has ended or a habit has stopped. It is often contrasted with まだ (not yet) to show timing. It can also appear with adjectives to emphasize that a condition is already in place (though this is less common in beginner speech). Typical contexts: talking about completing tasks earlier than expected, stating a change in circumstances, or describing that something isn’t continued beyond this point. Examples highlight the difference between affirmative (already) and negative (no longer) uses, as well as a simple present state described with an adjective.