まだ / もう
Is something still true, already finished, or not done yet? English uses several expressions where Japanese combines まだ or もう with the rest of the sentence.
Learn
まだ points to a situation continuing: “still.” With a negative, it often means not yet. もう points to a change having happened: “already.” With a negative, it often means no longer or not … anymore. Translate the whole expression, not just the first word.
| With an affirmative | With a negative | |
|---|---|---|
| まだ | still | not yet |
| もう | already | no longer / not anymore |
まだ です is a useful short answer meaning “not yet.” For example, 「もう 食べました か。」 asks “Have you eaten yet?” You can answer 「まだ です。」 Notice that natural English uses “yet” in this question even though Japanese uses もう.
Examples
もう 映画 を 見ました。
I have already seen the movie.
まだ 時間 が あります。
There is still time.
けんさん は もう 来ました。
Ken has already arrived.
もう 学生 じゃ ない です。
I am no longer a student.