What does ～をもって mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

States a means/method, or a starting/ending point in time; ceremonial or announcement style.

• 「～をもって」: (a) a POINT in time (usually an end/start): 本日をもって閉店 (closing as of today); (b) a MEANS/method: 書面をもって通知 (notifying in writing).
• Very formal, used in announcements, ceremonies, and official documents.
• The 'marker' meaning is close to 「を限りに」, but 「をもって」 is more ceremonial and can also mark a starting point.

Examples

• 本日(ほんじつ)をもって、営業(えいぎょう)を終了(しゅうりょう)いたします。

  As of today, we will cease business operations.

• 結果(けっか)は書面(しょめん)をもってお知(し)らせします。

  The results will be announced in writing.

Keep in mind

• Attaches to a noun.
• Ceremonial/formal style; rarely used in everyday conversation.

Common mistakes

• Wrong今日(きょう)をもって、映画(えいが)を見(み)た。

  As of today, we are closing.

  Correct本日(ほんじつ)をもって、閉店(へいてん)する。

  「をもって」 is ceremonial, used for official markers (end/start), not for everyday activities.

• Wrong手(て)をもってドアを開(あ)ける。

  Open the door by hand.

  Correct手(て)でドアを開(あ)ける。

  For everyday means, use 「で」; 「をもって」 is reserved for formal means (書面, 電話).

Exam tips

• 「をもって」 = by means of / as of a marker (ceremonial); more formal than 「で／を限りに」.

Related patterns

• ～を限りに
• ～によって
• ～で