もう 動詞（ます形）ました

Meaning

もう indicates that an action has already finished or been completed. The verb is always in past tense (ました form). This pattern is commonly used in questions to ask if something has been done yet, with affirmative answers using もう + past tense and negative answers using まだ or まだ + te-form + いません.

Formation

Examples

1. A:山田さん、もう 本を 買いに 行きましたか。 B:いいえ、まだ 買っていません。
   A: Have you already gone to buy the book, Yamada? B: No, I haven't bought it yet.

2. A:もう 手紙を 送りましたか。 B:はい、もう 送りました。
   A: Have you already sent the letter? B: Yes, I have already sent it.

Summary

• もう + past tense (ました) means 'already' and indicates a completed action
• Common in questions: もう + verb (ます form) + ましたか = 'Have you already...?'
• Negative responses use まだ or まだ + te-form + いません to say 'not yet'