Translation guide
The English phrase "any more" is used in negative and question contexts to mean "no longer" or "any longer." In Japanese, this concept is typically expressed with the adverb もう (mō) combined with a negative verb form, or with other negative polarity items. The translation depends on the sentence structure and what is being negated.
もうタバコを吸いません。
I don't smoke any more.
彼はもうここにいません。
He isn't here any more.
Expressing that a situation that was true before is not true now, or that an action that was done before is no longer done.
The most common way to say 'not any more' or 'no longer'. もう (mō) means 'already' or 'anymore' in negative contexts. Place it before the negative verb.
彼はもうここにいません。
He is not here any more.
私はもうタバコを吸いません。
I don't smoke any more.
A more formal or literary equivalent of もう, often used in writing or formal speech. It emphasizes that something is no longer the case.
もはや手遅れだ。
It is too late any more. (It's already too late.)
Literally 'more than this', used to mean 'not any more' when referring to quantity, degree, or continuation. Often implies a limit has been reached.
これ以上待てません。
I can't wait any more.
これ以上食べられない。
I can't eat any more.
Asking whether a situation or action still continues.
In questions, 'any more' is often expressed with まだ (mada, 'still') plus a verb, asking if something still happens. The negative answer would use もう.
まだ雨が降っていますか？
Is it still raining? (Is it raining any more?)
When expecting a negative answer, もう can be used in questions to mean 'any more' with a sense of 'still?' or 'yet?'.
もう痛みますか？
Does it hurt any more?
Expressing that there is no additional amount of something.
Use もう with a negative verb and a quantity word or the noun itself to mean 'no more of something'.
もうお金がありません。
I don't have any more money.
もうビールは要りません。
I don't need any more beer.
Emphasizes that no additional amount is wanted or possible.
これ以上砂糖は入れないでください。
Please don't put any more sugar.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'any more'. The concept is expressed through adverbs like もう (mō) combined with a negative verb. Avoid trying to translate word-for-word.
もう行かない。
I won't go any more.
もう in negative sentences means 'not any more' (change of state). まだ in positive sentences means 'still'. In questions, まだ asks if something continues, while もう can ask if something has already happened or if it still continues (with negative expectation).
もう食べましたか？
Have you eaten yet? (not 'any more')
まだ食べていますか？
Are you still eating?