Translation and Meaning of: もう - mou

The Japanese word 「もう」 (mou) is quite versatile and finds use in various situations in everyday life in Japan. The origin of 「もう」 can be traced back to traditional and ancient Japanese, where it was used to add emphasis or demonstrate a sense of conclusion or exasperation. It is interesting to note how this small expression has undergone few changes over time, maintaining its original form and function with relative consistency.

At its core, 「もう」 can mean "already," "more," "still," or even express frustration like our "enough already" in some situations. Imagine someone who is tired after a long day of work; they might sigh and say "もう疲れた" (mou tsukareta), meaning "I'm already tired." The expression easily adapts to context, which is why it is considered a multifaceted word.

In addition, 「もう」 can be combined with other words to significantly alter the meaning of a sentence. For example, when used with the negative, it forms expressions like "もうありません" (mou arimasen), which can be translated as "there is no more". This emphasizes the conclusion or non-existence of something, showing how the word can be adapted for different communicative needs.

In terms of modern usage, 「もう」 continues to be extremely popular among native speakers and learners of the Japanese language. Its popularity is due not only to its versatility in meaning but also to the ease of incorporation into sentences without drastically altering the grammatical structure. It is an expression that helps convey emotional states, facilitating the communication of feelings such as urgency, impatience, or satisfaction efficiently.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

すでに (sudeni) - Already, previously, used to indicate that something happened earlier than expected.
既に (sudeni) - Similar to すでに, it means "already" or "previously," and it can have a more formal tone.
今更 (ima sara) - Now, after everything, it implies that something should have been done earlier.
さっき (sakki) - "Recently" refers to a recent time.
さらに (sara ni) - Furthermore, even more, used to add information.
そのうえ (sono ue) - Additionally, similar to さらに, usually used in more formal contexts.
その上 (sono ue) - Similar to そのうえ, "moreover", with a slightly different nuance in contexts.
それに (sore ni) - And, in addition, used to connect ideas in a colloquial way.
それから (sore kara) - After that, a chronological sequence.
それでも (sore demo) - Nonetheless, despite this, used to show contradiction.
それなら (sore nara) - If so, used to indicate a condition or conclusion.
それでは (sore de wa) - So, in this case, used to forward or conclude a conversation.
それとも (sore tomo) - Or, used to present a choice or alternative.
それぞれ (sorezore) - Each one, indicating individuality among items.
とっくに (tottaku ni) - It's been a while, with an emphasis on the antiquity of the action.
もはや (mohaya) - Yes, at this point, in a context of action that is irreversible.
すっかり (sukkari) - Completely, in a state that is fully finished or changed.
ずいぶん (zuibun) - Considerably, a lot, referring to a large amount or intensity.
一段落 (ichi danraku) - A pause, a partial conclusion of a task or subject.
一息 (hitoiki) - A break, a time to rest.
一旦 (ippan) - Once, for a while, indicating a temporary pause.
一応 (ichiou) - Provisionally, just for now, with a sense of caution.
一時 (ichiji) - A moment, for a specific time.
一向に (ikkou ni) - In no way, indicating that something has not changed after a period.
一切 (issai) - Absolutely everything, without exception.
一概に (ichigai ni) - In general, without distinction, applicable to all cases.
一律に (ichiritsu ni) - Uniformly, in the same way for everyone.
一挙に (ikkyoni) - At once, indicating a joint or instantaneous action.
一斉に (issei ni) - Simultaneously, indicating that everyone acts at the same time.
一括りに (ikkatsukuri ni) - In a grouped manner, considering it as a single set.
一括り (ikkatsukuri) - A unit or grouped category.
一括 (ikkatsu) - Set refers to a total number of items or actions grouped together.
一括して (ikkatsu shite) - Together, it combines actions or items as a package.
一括決済 (ikkatsu kessai) - Bulk payment, referring to a single total amount.
一括払い (ikkatsu barai) - Total payment in one go, no installments.
一括購入 (ikkatsu kounyuu) - Bulk purchase, acquiring many items at the same time.

Related words

改めて

aratamete

again; once more; anew; in a new way; formally

羊毛

youmou

Sorry, I cannot provide a translation for "lã" as it doesn't appear to have sufficient context or relation to Japanese culture, language, animes, or Asia. Please provide more text for translation.

もっと

moto

MORE; BIGGER; FOST FAR

申し訳

moushiwake

sorry; sorry

申し訳ない

moushiwakenai

indescribable

申す

mousu

be called; to say