Processing keyword: A。もっとも B。(Motto mo ~)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。もっとも B。(Motto mo ~)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point もっとも (motto mo), which is used to provide an exception or add a caveat to a previous statement. This conjunction is similar to "however" or "though" in English and is useful for making your Japanese more nuanced and natural.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• もっとも: However; though; although; nonetheless

Structure

The grammar structure for もっとも is straightforward:

1. Statement A。
2. もっとも, Statement B。 Formation Diagram:

[Statement A]。もっとも、[Statement B]。

• Statement A: An initial statement or assertion.
• もっとも: Conjunctive adverb introducing a contrasting or limiting point.
• Statement B: The exception, limitation, or additional information.

Detailed Explanation

もっとも is used to:

• Provide additional information that modifies or limits the previous statement.
• Introduce an exception or contrast to what was just said.
• Smoothly connect two thoughts, making your speech more cohesive. Key Points:
• もっとも often appears at the beginning of the second sentence.
• It adds nuance by acknowledging an exception or differing point.
• It is similar to "having said that," "however," or "though" in English.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Conjunctions

Conjunction	Meaning	Usage
しかし	However	Direct contrast or contradiction
でも	But	Casual contrast in conversation
ただし	However/Provided	Adds conditions or stipulations
もっとも	However/Though	Adds exceptions or slight adjustments
Differences:

• しかし and でも are used for stronger contrasts.
• ただし introduces conditions or exceptions explicitly.
• もっとも is softer, often used to add an afterthought or minor exception.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 会議は午後に行います。もっとも、全員が集まればの話ですが。 Kaigi wa gogo ni okonaimasu. Motto mo, zen'in ga atsumareba no hanashi desu ga. The meeting will be held in the afternoon. However, that's if everyone can gather.
2. この本はとても面白かった。もっとも、少し難しいところもあったけど。 Kono hon wa totemo omoshirokatta. Motto mo, sukoshi muzukashii tokoro mo atta kedo. This book was very interesting. Though, there were some difficult parts.
3. 彼は時間通りに来るでしょう。もっとも、彼のことだから遅れるかもしれませんが。 Kare wa jikan dōri ni kuru deshō. Motto mo, kare no koto dakara okureru kamoshiremasen ga. He'll probably arrive on time. However, knowing him, he might be late.
4. その仕事を引き受けます。もっとも、条件によりますが。 Sono shigoto o hikiukemasu. Motto mo, jōken ni yorimasu ga. I'll take on that job. However, it depends on the conditions.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• もっとも is polite and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• It helps to soften statements, making conversations flow more naturally.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While もっとも itself is not an idiom, understanding its use can help in comprehending Japanese idiomatic expressions where exceptions or contrasts are presented.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using もっとも incorrectly as もっと in this context. Incorrect: 会議は午後です。もっと、全員が集まれば。 Tip: Remember that もっと means "more," while もっとも as a conjunction means "however."
• Forgetting to add a comma after もっとも. Incorrect: 会議は午後ですもっとも全員が集まれば。 Tip: Use a comma to separate もっとも from the rest of the sentence for clarity.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of もっとも as "most importantly," which can remind you that it introduces an important exception or note.
• Practice by adding exceptions: Try making sentences where you state something, then add もっとも to introduce a caveat.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• もっとも is used to add exceptions or additional information to a prior statement.
• It is similar to "however" or "though" and adds nuance to your Japanese.
• Proper use of もっとも can make your speech and writing more natural and cohesive.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary function of もっとも in a sentence? A) To intensify the preceding adjective. B) To add an exception or modify the previous statement. C) To list multiple items.
2. Choose the correct usage of もっとも: a) このケーキはおいしい。もっと、チョコレート味です。 b) このケーキはおいしい。もっとも、甘すぎるかもしれません。
3. True or False: もっとも can be used interchangeably with もっと.

Answers:

1. B - To add an exception or modify the previous statement.
2. b is correct. Sentence a incorrectly uses もっと instead of もっとも.
3. False - もっとも and もっと have different meanings and uses.

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By mastering もっとも, you'll be able to express subtle contrasts and exceptions, enhancing your Japanese communication skills.

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