Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
“Having said that,” “but,” “however,” “although,” “mind you.”
🎯 Primary Function
To introduce a condition, exception, or a modifying statement that somewhat mitigates or adds a nuance to the preceding statement. It provides a caveat or a counterpoint.
📋 Grammar Structure
[Sentence A]. もっとも, [Sentence B].
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Frequently used in formal speech and writing to add nuance or exceptions politely.
Informal Situations
Less common in casual conversation, often sounding a bit stiff or overly formal.
Written Language
Widely used in essays, articles, formal letters, and academic texts.
Spoken Language
Used in formal speeches, presentations, or discussions, but less so in everyday chat.
💡 Common Applications
Introducing a condition or limitation
Used to add a condition or prerequisite to the statement just made.
Example: 参加は自由です。もっとも、事前の登録が必要です。
(Participation is free. However, advance registration is required.)
Adding an exception or counterpoint
Used to state an exception or a fact that slightly goes against or modifies the previous statement.
Example: このプロジェクトは成功するだろう。もっとも、いくつかの課題も残っている。
(This project will likely succeed. That said, some challenges still remain.)
Providing additional necessary information
Used to add information that is important for a complete understanding of the previous statement.
Example: 彼は優秀な学生だ。もっとも、努力家というよりは天才タイプだ。
(He is an excellent student. However, rather than a hard worker, he’s more of a genius type.)
Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal written Japanese and formal spoken contexts. Less frequent in casual conversation.
Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced (N2). Understanding its subtle nuance compared to other conjunctions is key.
Example Sentences
旅行は楽しかったです。もっとも、少し疲れましたが。
The trip was fun. Mind you, I got a little tired.
彼の説明は分かりやすかった。もっとも、いくつか疑問点は残りました。
His explanation was easy to understand. However, a few questions remained.
その製品は性能が良い。もっとも、価格が高いのが難点だ。
That product has good performance. That said, the high price is a drawback.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Placement
もっとも is typically placed at the beginning of the second sentence, after a full stop or sometimes a comma (though a full stop is more common in formal writing).
Example: 彼の意見に賛成です。もっとも、全ての点ではありません。
(I agree with his opinion. However, not on all points.)
Nuance of Exception/Condition
Unlike a direct contradiction (like しかし), もっとも often introduces an exception, a condition, or a piece of information that qualifies or adds detail to the preceding statement without entirely negating it.
Example: 明日は晴れるでしょう。もっとも、夕方から雲が出るかもしれません。
(It will probably be sunny tomorrow. However, clouds might appear from the evening.)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it in casual conversation
✅ Use しかし, だが, or でも instead.
もっとも sounds unnatural and overly formal in casual settings.
❌ Using it to introduce a strong contradiction
✅ Use しかし or だが for stronger contradictions.
もっとも is better suited for introducing conditions, exceptions, or milder counterpoints, not direct oppositions.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: Formal/Polite. Suitable for situations requiring a degree of formality.
Social Situations: Business meetings, presentations, academic discussions, formal writing.
Regional Variations: Standard Japanese usage, not strongly regional.
🔍 Subtle Differences
もっとも vs しかし / だが
しかし and だが introduce stronger contradictions or opposing ideas. もっとも introduces conditions, exceptions, or modifying points that don’t necessarily negate the previous statement entirely.
When to use: Use もっとも when adding a condition, exception, or a softer counterpoint. Use しかし or だが for more direct opposition.
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📝 Conjugation Notes
もっとも is a conjunctive adverb and does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “mot-to-mo” with emphasis on the first “mo” and a slight pause before the second sentence.
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of it like adding a clause that starts with “having said that…” or “mind you…” after stating something general.
Vocabulary List
参加
sanka
participation
自由
jiyuu
free
事前
jizen
prior, advance
登録
touroku
registration
必要
hitsuyou
necessary
旅行
ryokou
trip, travel
疲れる
to get tired
Kanji List
参加
さんか
participation
自由
じゆう
free
事前
じぜん
prior
登録
とうろく
registration
必要
ひつよう
necessary
旅行
りょこう
trip
疲
つか
tired
説明
せつめい
explanation
疑問
ぎもん
doubt, question
点
てん
point
製品
せいひん
product
Practice Exercises
このレストランの料理はおいしいです。（＿＿＿）、値段が少し高いです。
そして
だから
もっとも
あるいは
明日は図書館に行こうと思います。（＿＿＿）、開館しているか確認が必要です。
つまり
しかし
もっとも
また
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