Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
The basic meaning of 「はもとより」 is “not to mention,” “let alone,” “of course,” or “naturally.” It indicates that something is already true or obvious, and then introduces another, often more significant or surprising, piece of information that is also true.
🎯 Primary Function
Its primary function is to present a basic or expected fact (X) as a given, and then to introduce another fact (Y) that is additionally true, often to a greater or more emphasized extent. It sets up a progression, implying “X is true, and even Y (which is more significant) is also true.”
📋 Grammar Structure
Noun + はもとより + Noun / Phrase + も / Sentence
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Highly suitable for formal discussions, presentations, and speeches, adding a sophisticated nuance to your expression.
Informal Situations
Less common in very casual, informal conversations, as it can sound a bit stiff. Simpler expressions like 「もちろん」 are preferred in such contexts.
Written Language
Very frequently used in written Japanese, such as articles, essays, reports, academic papers, and formal correspondence.
Spoken Language
Used in more formal spoken contexts, such as interviews, lectures, business meetings, and public addresses, rather than everyday casual chats.
💡 Common Applications
Highlighting an obvious fact and adding a more significant one
This is the most common use, where the first element is something expected, and the second element is an additional, often more noteworthy or surprising, fact.
Example: 彼は日本語はもとより、英語も話せる。 (Kare wa Nihongo wa moto yori, Eigo mo hanaseru.) – He can speak Japanese, not to mention English.
Discussing capabilities or attributes, emphasizing a broader range
Used to show that a person or thing possesses not only a basic quality but also a more advanced or additional one.
Example: このレストランは味はもとより、サービスも素晴らしい。 (Kono resutoran wa aji wa moto yori, sābisu mo subarashii.) – This restaurant’s taste is excellent, not to mention its service.
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Frequency
Moderately frequent in formal and written Japanese. It is a common and useful expression for N2 learners to master for more nuanced communication.
Difficulty
N2 Level
Example Sentences
このスマートフォンはデザインはもとより、機能も優れている。
This smartphone’s design is great, not to mention its functionality.
彼はピアノはもとより、バイオリンも弾ける多才な音楽家だ。
He is a versatile musician who can play the piano, let alone the violin.
この店は料理はもとより、雰囲気も最高だ。
This restaurant’s food is excellent, not to mention its atmosphere.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Often followed by 「も」
「はもとより」 is almost always followed by 「も」 (or another particle with a similar additive nuance like 「までも」) after the second element. This emphasizes that the second element is also included or is true in addition to the first.
Example: 日本語はもとより、英語も話せる。 (Nihongo wa moto yori, Eigo mo hanaseru.) – Not only Japanese, but also English can be spoken.
Implies a progression/intensification
It suggests that if the first element (the obvious one) is true, then the second element (often more significant or surprising) is even more so. It sets up an “X is true, and even Y is true” scenario.
Example: 彼は成績はもとより、人間性も素晴らしい。 (Kare wa seiseki wa moto yori, ningen-sei mo subarashii.) – His grades are excellent, not to mention his personality.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using in overly casual contexts.
✅ Replace with 「もちろん」 or 「もちろんのこと」 for casual situations.
「はもとより」 carries a formal and somewhat stiff nuance, making it less suitable for very casual conversations where simpler and more direct expressions are preferred.
❌ Omitting 「も」 after the second element.
✅ Always try to include 「も」 or a similar additive particle after the second element.
While not strictly ungrammatical, omitting 「も」 can sometimes make the sentence sound incomplete or less natural, as 「も」 reinforces the “in addition to” or “also” meaning.
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: High. 「はもとより」 is a formal expression, commonly used in polished writing and speech. It conveys a sophisticated and articulate tone.
Social Situations: Primarily used in formal or semi-formal social situations, such as business communications, academic settings, public speeches, or when expressing thoughts in a more deliberate and considered manner. Less common in intimate, casual settings.
Regional Variations: There are no significant regional variations in the usage or meaning of 「はもとより」. It is standard Japanese.
🔍 Subtle Differences
はもとより vs. はもちろん
「はもとより」 is generally more formal and emphasizes a strong progression where the second item is even more true or significant than the first. It often has a slightly more “let alone” nuance. 「はもちろん」 is more versatile, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and simply means “of course” or “as a matter of course,” without necessarily implying a stronger emphasis on the second item.
When to use: Use 「はもとより」 for formal writing and speech when you want to strongly emphasize that the first point is a given and the second point is an even stronger or additional truth. Use 「はもちろん」 when you simply want to state that something is obvious, in both formal and informal settings.
はもとより vs. ばかりか
「はもとより」 typically implies that both elements (X and Y) are positive or extend positively, with Y being a further degree of X. 「ばかりか」 (not only X, but also Y) can be used for both positive and negative additions, and Y can sometimes be surprising or even negative, implying a “not only X, but also *what’s worse/more* Y.” 「ばかりか」 focuses more on the unexpected addition, while 「はもとより」 focuses on the expected initial point leading to a further point.
When to use: Use 「はもとより」 when the second item logically follows or is a further, perhaps stronger, extension of the first (often positive). Use 「ばかりか」 when the second item is an unexpected or additional fact, which could be positive or negative.
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📝 Conjugation Notes
「はもとより」 attaches directly after a noun or a noun phrase. It does not conjugate.
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounce 「は」 as “wa” (as it’s a particle). The pronunciation is straightforward: “wa-mo-to-yo-ri”. Emphasize the natural flow from the first element into the second, connected by the particle 「も」 (mo).
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of 「もと (moto)」 as “origin” or “basis.” The grammar pattern suggests “from the basis (X), even more (Y) is true.” So, the first point is the “origin” of what’s true, and then more is added on top.
Vocabulary List
スマートフォン
sumātofon
smartphone
デザイン
dezain
design
機能
kinō
function, feature
優れている
sugurete iru
to be excellent
ピアノ
piano
piano
バイオリン
baiorin
violin
弾ける
to be able to play (string/keyboard instrument)
Kanji List
機
ki
machine, opportunity
能
nō
ability, talent
優
yū
excellent, gentle
才
sai
talent, ability
音
on
sound
楽
gaku
music, comfort
家
ka
house, expert
料
ryō
material, fee
理
ri
reason, logic
雰
fun
atmosphere
囲
i
enclosure, surroundings
Practice Exercises
彼女は料理＿＿＿、お菓子作りも得意だ。
A. はもとより
B. ばかりか
C. にあたって
D. にかかわる
この本は、内容＿＿＿、装丁も美しい。
A. のもとで
B. はもとより
C. ことによって
D. というと
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