Japanese grammar
What does ～はもちろん～も mean? Japanese grammar N3
～はもちろん～も means not to mention ~; ~ of course, but also ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N1 + はもちろん + N2 + も N + はもちろんのこと + ～ |
| Romaji | hamochiron mo |
| Meaning | not to mention ~; ~ of course, but also ~ |
Forming it
| Emphasis | 和食 → 和食はもちろんのこと |
|---|---|
| Basic form | 数学 → 数学はもちろん、英語も |
How to use it
A is something everyone obviously accepts, while B is the real point worth mentioning. Has a positive, affirmative tone.
- 「AはもちろんB も」 = needless to say A, B is also the case. A must be something OBVIOUS in context: 「彼は数学はもちろん、英語も得意だ」.
- The second clause must have 「も」. The emphatic version is 「はもちろんのこと」.
- Different from 「はおろか」 (N1): 「もちろん」 is used for positive things and affirmative sentences, while 「はおろか」 is used in negative sentences that go from bad to worse.
Examples
彼は数学はもちろん、英語も得意です。
He is good at math, of course, and English too.
この店は和食はもちろん、洋食もおいしい。
At this restaurant Japanese food is a given, and Western food is good too.
Keep in mind
- The second clause must have 「も」.
- A is a given, not something unexpected.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong数学はもちろん、英語が得意だ。
Math goes without saying, and I'm also good at English.
Correct数学はもちろん、英語も得意だ。
The second clause must have 「も」.
-
Wrong日本語はもちろん、あいさつもできない。
Japanese aside, he doesn't even know how to greet people.
Correct日本語はおろか、あいさつもできない。
A negative sentence that worsens step by step is the territory of 「はおろか」; 「はもちろん」 is used for affirmative sentences.
Exam tips
- 「はもちろん～も」 = needless to say A, B too (affirmative); the second clause needs 「も」.