Japanese grammar
What does ～はもとより mean? Japanese grammar N2
～はもとより means needless to say…, and even… as well (written style).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + はもとより + N + も |
| Romaji | hamotoyori |
| Meaning | needless to say…, and even… as well (written style) |
Forming it
| Noun | 国内 → 国内はもとより海外でも |
|---|
How to use it
A is obvious and needs no discussion, B is what's worth mentioning. A written form of 「はもちろん」.
- 「AはもとよりB も」 = A goes without saying, and B is the same: 「この歌手は国内はもとより、海外でも人気がある」.
- The second clause MUST have 「も」. A must be something obvious in context.
- More formal written style than 「はもちろん」 (N3-137); in conversation, 「はもちろん」 should still be used.
Examples
この歌手は国内はもとより、海外でも高く評価されている。
This singer is acclaimed not only at home but also abroad.
彼女は料理はもとより、菓子作りも得意だ。
She is skilled not only at cooking but also at making sweets.
Keep in mind
- The second clause needs 「も」.
- Written style; conversation uses 「はもちろん」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong英語はもとより、スペイン語が話せる。
English goes without saying, and Spanish can also be spoken.
Correct英語はもとより、スペイン語も話せる。
The second clause must have 「も」.
-
Wrong（友達との会話）漢字はもとより、ひらがなも難しいよ。
Kanji goes without saying, hiragana is also hard.
Correct（友達との会話）漢字はもちろん、ひらがなも難しいよ。
Casual conversation uses 「はもちろん」.
Exam tips
- 「はもとより」 = A goes without saying, B too (written style); second clause needs 「も」.