Translation guide
The English word 'already' is used to indicate that something has happened before now, earlier than expected, or to express impatience. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adverbs like もう and すでに, as well as the particle は in certain contexts. The choice depends on whether you are stating a fact, expressing surprise, or urging someone.
To state that something has already happened or been done, often in neutral statements or questions.
The most common and versatile word for 'already' in everyday conversation. Used in affirmative sentences and questions.
もう食べました。
I've already eaten.
もう帰ってもいいですか。
Can I go home already?
A more formal or written equivalent of もう. Often used in news, reports, or formal speech.
Emphasizes that something happened a long time ago or much earlier than expected. Often carries a nuance of 'long since' or 'ages ago'.
To convey astonishment or the feeling that something occurred earlier than anticipated.
When said with rising intonation or in an exclamation, もう expresses surprise that something has already happened.
To tell someone to do something without further delay, often with a tone of annoyance.
Used in commands or requests to mean 'already' in the sense of 'hurry up and do it'. Often paired with ～て form.
To mark that a situation has now become different, often translated as 'already' when combined with negative or positive changes.
To contrast what has already happened with what hasn't, often using the particle は.
The particle は is used to contrast items. This pattern explicitly compares what is already done with what is not yet done.
宿題はもうやったけど、掃除はまだだ。
I've already done my homework, but I haven't cleaned yet.
While すでに is a direct translation of 'already', it sounds stiff in everyday conversation. Stick to もう for most situations unless you are writing formally or giving a speech.
もうご飯食べた？
Have you eaten already?
もう is used in both casual and formal speech, while すでに is primarily for formal or written contexts. もう can also express emotional nuances like surprise or impatience, which すでに cannot.
もう！何してるの！
Come on already! What are you doing?
The meeting has already started.
とっくに宿題終わったよ。
I finished my homework ages ago.
You're already here?
もう12時か。
It's already 12 o'clock.
もう行って！
Just go already!
もうやめてくれ。
Stop it already.
With a positive verb, it can indicate that a new state has begun, similar to 'already' or 'now'.
もう春ですね。
It's already spring, isn't it?