Explanation at your level:
A motto is a short sentence. It tells people what you like or believe. For example, 'Be kind' is a good motto. You can choose a motto for your life.
A motto is a phrase that represents your goals. Many schools and companies have a motto. It is short and easy to remember. It helps people know what you value.
When you have a motto, you have a guiding principle. It is a short statement that defines your character. Many people use a motto to stay motivated when things are difficult. It is a formal way to express your beliefs.
A motto serves as a symbolic declaration of intent. It is often used by organizations to establish an identity. You might say, 'My motto is to never give up,' which shows your commitment to a specific ethos or way of living.
The term motto encompasses a concise articulation of an entity's mission. Whether it is a family crest or a corporate slogan, the motto distills complex values into a memorable phrase. It is frequently used in rhetoric to align a group's behavior with their stated ideals.
Etymologically derived from the Italian motto, this term has evolved from simple utterances to sophisticated rhetorical devices. In a literary or historical context, a motto often carries deep cultural significance, reflecting the zeitgeist of an era or the legacy of a dynasty. It remains a powerful tool for identity construction.
30秒でわかる単語
- A short phrase of belief.
- Used by people and groups.
- Easy to remember.
- Often reflects values.
A motto is essentially your personal or organizational compass. It is a short, punchy sentence that captures the essence of what you stand for.
Think of it as a verbal badge. Whether it is a school, a company, or a person, having a motto helps focus energy and reminds everyone of the core values they share.
The word motto comes from the Italian word motto, meaning 'word' or 'saying'. It traces back to the Late Latin muttum, which relates to a grunt or a mutter.
Historically, mottos were often found on coats of arms in the Middle Ages. They were used to inspire soldiers or identify a noble family's guiding philosophy during battle or ceremony.
You will most often hear this word in professional or formal settings. Companies use them in marketing campaigns to define their brand identity.
Common collocations include 'live by the motto' or 'adopt a motto'. It is a very versatile word that fits both serious boardrooms and casual personal journals.
While 'motto' itself isn't an idiom, it is often associated with phrases like 'Live and let live' or 'Actions speak louder than words', which function as universal mottos for many people.
People also say 'That is my personal mantra', which is a synonymous way of describing a motto.
The plural form is mottoes or mottos; both are accepted in modern English. It is a countable noun, so you can have 'a motto' or 'many mottos'.
In IPA, it is /ˈmɒt.əʊ/ in British English and /ˈmɑː.t̬oʊ/ in American English. It rhymes with 'grotto' and 'blotto'.
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'mutter'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'o' sound followed by 'oh'
Long 'ah' sound followed by 'oh'
Common Errors
- pronouncing as 'moto'
- stressing the second syllable
- missing the double t
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Pluralization
mottoes
Articles
a motto
Countable Nouns
two mottos
Examples by Level
My motto is to be happy.
Motto = short belief
Simple present
What is your motto?
Question about belief
Question form
His motto is 'Work hard'.
Work hard = belief
Possessive
The school has a motto.
School motto
Article usage
I need a new motto.
Need = want
Verb usage
That is a great motto.
Great = good
Adjective
They share the same motto.
Share = have together
Verb
Do you have a motto?
Question
Auxiliary do
Our company motto is 'Quality first'.
She lives by her personal motto.
Every team needs a strong motto.
His motto helps him stay focused.
What motto would you choose?
The family motto is very old.
I read the motto on the wall.
They printed the motto on shirts.
The motto of the Olympics is 'Faster, Higher, Stronger'.
He adopted the motto 'Never look back'.
Does your organization have a formal motto?
The motto is inscribed on the gate.
She embodies her motto every single day.
It is a simple motto, but it is true.
The team chose a motto to inspire them.
His motto reflects his humble nature.
The university's motto is rooted in Latin tradition.
Many startups use a catchy motto to attract talent.
She lives by the motto that honesty is the best policy.
The motto serves as a constant reminder of their mission.
He struggled to find a motto that fit his lifestyle.
The motto was etched into the stone monument.
Their motto is more of a philosophy than a rule.
You should pick a motto that resonates with you.
The organization’s motto encapsulates its commitment to sustainability.
He found solace in the motto he had adopted years ago.
The motto serves as the cornerstone of their brand identity.
It is a profound motto that challenges the status quo.
The motto is a testament to their enduring values.
She articulated her motto with great conviction.
The motto is often cited in their annual reports.
A motto can be a powerful catalyst for change.
The heraldic motto on the shield was barely legible.
His life was governed by the motto 'Amor Fati'.
The motto functions as an aphoristic summary of their creed.
It is a motto that has withstood the test of time.
The motto provides a succinct distillation of their ethos.
She chose a motto that echoed her intellectual pursuits.
The motto is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric.
Such a motto is emblematic of the Victorian era.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"Walk the talk"
Do what you say
He doesn't just have a motto; he walks the talk.
casual"Practice what you preach"
Do the things you tell others to do
You need to practice what you preach.
neutral"Actions speak louder than words"
What you do is more important than what you say
Don't just talk, remember actions speak louder than words.
neutral"Live and let live"
Accept how others live
My motto is live and let live.
neutral"To each their own"
Everyone has different tastes
If that is your motto, to each their own.
casualEasily Confused
Both are short phrases
Slogans are for products
Nike slogan vs my motto.
Both are beliefs
Mantra is often meditative
My meditation mantra.
Both are sayings
Maxim is more like a rule
A maxim of conduct.
Spelling
Moto is a bike
I ride a moto.
Sentence Patterns
My motto is [phrase]
My motto is be kind.
He lives by the motto [phrase]
He lives by the motto work hard.
The motto [phrase] defines us
The motto unity defines us.
Adopt a motto of [noun]
Adopt a motto of peace.
It is a motto that [verb]
It is a motto that inspires.
語族
Nouns
関連
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Both spellings are accepted in English.
Motto is for values, slogan is for marketing.
You cannot 'motto' something.
It is a countable noun.
It needs two 't's.
Tips
Memory Palace
Put your motto on your front door.
Native Usage
Use it to explain your life goals.
Cultural Insight
Look at family crests.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat it like a normal noun.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'o' sounds.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't write 'moto'.
Did You Know?
It relates to 'mutter'.
Study Smart
Write it on a sticky note.
Writing Tip
Keep it under 5 words.
Speaking Tip
Say it with confidence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Motto: My Own True Thought Organization.
Visual Association
A knight with a shield showing a motto.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write your own motto today.
語源
Italian
Original meaning: word or saying
文化的な背景
None, generally positive.
Mottos are very common in heraldry and school traditions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- school motto
- our motto
- the motto on the wall
at work
- company motto
- brand motto
- team motto
personal growth
- my personal motto
- a life motto
- my daily motto
history
- family motto
- ancient motto
- the motto of the kingdom
Conversation Starters
"What is your personal motto?"
"Do you think mottos are important?"
"What would your school motto be?"
"Have you ever had a motto?"
"Do you like short mottos?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a motto you like.
If you could pick a motto, what would it be?
Does your family have a motto?
Why do people choose mottos?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, always.
Yes, many do.
Similar, but slogans are usually for sales.
Mottoes or mottos.
Yes, very often.
It can be formal or personal.
Italian.
Yes, whenever you want.
自分をテスト
My ___ is to be kind.
Motto is a belief.
What is a motto?
It is a short phrase.
A motto is a long essay.
It is very short.
Word
意味
Mottos are for values.
This is my motto.
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Summary
A motto is a short, powerful phrase that defines what you stand for.
- A short phrase of belief.
- Used by people and groups.
- Easy to remember.
- Often reflects values.
Memory Palace
Put your motto on your front door.
Native Usage
Use it to explain your life goals.
Cultural Insight
Look at family crests.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat it like a normal noun.
