Japanese grammar
What does A。もっとも、B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。もっとも、B。 means that said (adding a precise qualification).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。もっとも、sentence B (が／けれど)。 |
| Romaji | A.mottomo,B. |
| Meaning | that said (adding a precise qualification) |
Forming it
| Adding an exception | 毎日運動している。もっとも、雨の日は休むが。 |
|---|
How to use it
After asserting A, adds a condition or exception so the statement isn't taken too broadly.
- 「もっとも」 = however, that said. B NARROWS the exact scope of A: 「日本語は話せます。もっとも、難しい漢字は読めませんが」.
- Clause B is often left trailing off with 「が／けれど」 — a telltale sign of this pattern.
- Different from 「しかし」 (negates the first clause) and 「ただ」 (raises a reservation): 「もっとも」 only narrows the scope for accuracy.
Examples
毎日運動しています。もっとも、雨の日は休みますが。
I exercise every day. Though I do skip it on rainy days.
日本語は話せます。もっとも、難しい漢字は読めませんけれど。
I can speak Japanese, though I cannot read difficult kanji.
Keep in mind
- B narrows the scope of A, without denying A.
- Often ends with 「が／けれど」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼は頭がいい。もっとも、勉強も大切だ。
He is smart. That said, studying is also important.
Correct彼は頭がいい。もっとも、あまり勉強はしないが。
B must narrow the very thing A just stated, not jump to a general remark.
-
Wrongこの料理はおいしい。もっとも、まずい。
This dish is delicious. That said, it's bad.
Correctこの料理はおいしい。もっとも、冷めるとまずいが。
「もっとも」 narrows the scope; it does not completely negate A.
Exam tips
- 「もっとも」 = that said... (narrows the scope); often trails off with 「が」.