Processing keyword: もっと〜 (motto〜)
Japanese Grammar Point: もっと〜 (motto〜)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point もっと〜 (motto〜). This adverb is widely used to express "more," "further," or "even more" in various contexts. Understanding how to use もっと will enhance your ability to express comparisons, desires, and intensify your statements in Japanese.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- もっと (motto): more; further; even more; additional もっと is used to:
- Indicate an increase in degree or extent.
- Express a desire for something additional.
- Emphasize that something exceeds its previous state.
Structure
もっと is placed before verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to modify them.
Formation Diagram
もっと + Verb/Adjective/Adverb
Examples of Structure
- もっと + Verb
- もっと食べる (motto taberu) — to eat more
- もっと + Adjective
- もっと大きい (motto ookii) — bigger; more big
- もっと + Adverb
- もっと早く (motto hayaku) — faster; more quickly
3. Comparative Analysis
もっと〜 vs. さらに〜 (sarani〜)
While both もっと and さらに mean "more" or "further," they have subtle differences:
- もっと: Commonly used in everyday language to indicate a simple increase or desire for "more."
- さらに: Often used in formal contexts or written language, implying "in addition" or "furthermore," sometimes with a sense of progression.
| Grammar Point | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| もっと | More; further | Casual/Formal |
| さらに | Furthermore; also | Formal/Written |
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: With Verbs
- Japanese: 音楽をもっと聴きたい。
- Romaji: Ongaku o motto kikitai.
- English: I want to listen to music more.
Example 2: With Adjectives
- Japanese: これはいいですが、もっと安いものはありますか？
- Romaji: Kore wa ii desu ga, motto yasui mono wa arimasu ka?
- English: This is good, but do you have something cheaper?
Example 3: With Adverbs
- Japanese: もっとゆっくり歩きましょう。
- Romaji: Motto yukkuri arukimashou.
- English: Let's walk more slowly.
Example 4: Making Polite Requests
- Japanese: お茶をもっとください。
- Romaji: Ocha o motto kudasai.
- English: Please give me more tea.
Example 5: Expressing Desire for Improvement
- Japanese: もっと上手に日本語を話したいです。
- Romaji: Motto jouzu ni nihongo o hanashitai desu.
- English: I want to speak Japanese more proficiently.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- もっと is versatile and used in both casual and formal settings.
- When combined with 〜ください (~kudasai), it forms a polite request:
- もっと見せてください。
- Motto misete kudasai.
- "Please show me more."
- もっと見せてください。
Idiomatic Expressions
- もっとも (mottomo): Although written the same way, when pronounced mottomo, it means "most," "extremely," or "also," "but then," serving as a conjunction.
- Example:
- 彼は若いです。もっとも、経験は豊富です。
- Kare wa wakai desu. Mottomo, keiken wa houfu desu.
- "He is young. However, he is experienced."
- Example:
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Common Mistake: Placing もっと after the word it modifies.
- Incorrect: 速くもっと走ってください。
- Hayaku motto hashitte kudasai.
- Correct: もっと速く走ってください。
- Motto hayaku hashitte kudasai.
- "Please run faster." Tip: Always place もっと before the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies.
- Incorrect: 速くもっと走ってください。
Learning Strategies
- Association: Link もっと (motto) with the English word "more."
- Both start with "mo-," helping you remember the meaning.
- Practice: Create sentences using もっと in different contexts to become comfortable with its placement and usage.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- もっと means "more," used to intensify or increase the degree of verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
- Place もっと before the word it modifies.
- Used in both formal and informal contexts, suitable for a variety of situations.
- Do not confuse もっと (motto) with 最も (mottomo), which means "most" or "extremely."
Quick Recap Quiz
- Translate to Japanese: "I want to eat more."
- Answer: もっと食べたい。
- Motto tabetai.
- Answer: もっと食べたい。
- Question: Where should もっと be placed in a sentence?
- Answer: Before the verb, adjective, or adverb it modifies.
- True or False: もっと can be used to make polite requests when combined with 〜ください.
- Answer: True.
By mastering もっと〜 (motto〜), you'll enhance your ability to express more nuanced thoughts and desires in Japanese. Remember to practice using it in various sentences to internalize its usage.