Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 5: 17/18

(もと)よりNot only... but also, Let alone, Of course,

Structure

Noun + もとより + Phrase
Verb + こと(1) + もとより + Phrase

(1)

Details

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    Formal

About はもとより

(もと)より, commonly seen purely in hiragana, is a grammar pattern that indicates 'not only (A), but also (B) ', or 'let alone (A), (B)'. This construction is just a combination of は, the noun (もと) 'origin', and より. In this way, it is just highlighting that 'even compared to the original fact of (A), (B)'. Often, (A) will be something that is considered obvious, or the most well known information in regard to the topic.

はもとより may appear after nouns, or verb phrases that have been nominalized with の or こと.

Alternatively, はもとより may be used in structures where it is simply showing that (A) is the base from which (B) is also a fact. Although this may sound similar to the previous meaning, it translates closer to 'from the start, (A) is (B)', or 'by nature, (A) is (B)'. Which meaning is being used will usually be clear in the context of the overall sentence.

Examples

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    (はや)(はし)るの(もと)より経済(けいざい)(てき)でもある(くるま)()いたい。

    Not only a fast one, but I want to buy a car that's also economical.

    最近(さいきん)ではコンピューターやスマホ(もと)より()ブラシさえWIFIを(そな)えている。

    Recently, not only computers and smartphones, but even toothbrushes are equipped with wifi.

    英語(えいご)はイギリスやアメリカの母国(ぼこく)()として(もと)より台湾(たいわん)でも使(つか)われている。

    English is not only the native language of England and the US, but it is even used in Taiwan.

    ()(しゃ)製造(せいぞう)する(ぼう)(ちゃ)日本(にっぽん)全国(ぜんこく)(もと)より海外(かいがい)でもよく()られている。

    The twig tea manufactured in our company is not only sold all over Japan, but also abroad.

    アニメや漫画(まんが)子供(こども)(もと)より大人(おとな)老人(ろうじん)関心(かんしん)(あつ)める。

    Anime and manga attract not only children, but also adults and the elderly.

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はもとより – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (8 in total)

  • FredKore

    FredKore

    Err… You’ve reached the extent of my knowledge.
    @mrnoone Would you care to weigh in on this discussion?

  • wrt7MameLZE33wlmpCAV

    wrt7MameLZE33wlmpCAV

    Ha, no worries! I appreciate the helpful feedback thus far.

  • ShinobiTay

    ShinobiTay

    How is this different from をはじめ?

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