Page 200 - Easy Japanese - Learn to Speak Japanese Quickly! (TUTTLE)

year older gives one seniority over another and affects the conversation.
Therefore, age is an important part of personal identity and is commonly asked if
not already known. Remember that when you ask any personal questions
including age, first say shitsurei desu kedo “It’s rude of me to ask this, but…”
and go on.

GRAMMAR NOTE Mō and Mada

Recall the expression Mada mada desu as a response to a compliment on your
language skills. This is a humble response saying “not yet, not yet” and implies
that you still have a long way to go before becoming skillful at the language.
Mada is often translated as “still” in an affirmative sentence, and “(not) yet”
in a negative sentence. Its basic meaning is that there is no significant change in
the situation. When the context is clear, you can just say mada on its own.

Wakarimashita ka. Did you understand it?
Ie, mada wakarimasen. No, I still don’t get it.

Satō-san, kaerimashita ka. Has Ms. Sato gone home?
Ie, mada desu. No, not yet.

Mō, on the other hand, indicates that there is a change in the situation, and is
often translated as “already” in an affirmative sentence, and “(not) any longer” in
a negative sentence.
Hirugohan, tabemasen ka. Won’t you eat lunch?

Mō tabemashita. I’ve already eaten.
Sushi, mada arimasu ka. Is there still some sushi?

Ie, mō arimasen. No, there is no more.

Do not confuse this mō with the other mō meaning “more”. Note the contrast of
the rising and falling intonation.

Mo-U hito-tsu arimasu. We have one more. (with a rising
intonation)
MO-u hito-tsu arimasu. We already have one. (with a

falling
intonation)

Mō and mada carry a clear implication regarding a prior situation. Compare the