Formal Means & Deadlines: ~wo motte (をもって)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {をもって|をもって} to express 'by means of' or 'as of' in formal, written, or official contexts.
- Use with nouns to indicate a method or tool: {会議|かいぎ}をもって{決定|けってい}する (Decide by means of a meeting).
- Use with time nouns to indicate a deadline or effective date: {本日|ほんじつ}をもって{終了|しゅうりょう} (End as of today).
- Always use in formal settings; avoid in casual conversation.
Overview
〜をもって (or the kanji form 〜を以て) is an advanced, high-formality Japanese grammar pattern used to mark a definitive means for an action or a precise temporal boundary. It elevates a statement from a simple description to an official declaration, imbuing it with a sense of finality, authority, and ceremonial weight. Its core function is to replace more common, neutral particles like 〜で (for means) and 〜まで or 〜から (for time) in contexts demanding the utmost formality.
The linguistic origin of this pattern is key to understanding its nuance. もって is the grammaticalized te-form of the verb 持つ (もつ), meaning "to hold." The construction Noun + をもって conceptually means "taking/holding the Noun as the basis for action." This act of "holding" something—be it a document, a date, or a principle—frames it as the unshakeable foundation or the precise, non-negotiable point for the clause that follows. Mastering 〜をもって is a hallmark of C1-level proficiency, essential for navigating professional, legal, and ceremonial Japanese.
How This Grammar Works
Noun をもって specifies the means by which an action is performed. Critically, it is used almost exclusively for abstract or intangible means, such as documents, official procedures, principles, or statements. It replaces 〜で to emphasize that the means is not merely a tool, but the official, authoritative basis for the action.厳正なる審査をもって合否を決定します。- (We will determine acceptance or rejection by means of a strict examination.)
- The nuance here is that the "strict examination" is the sole, official, and non-negotiable basis for the decision, not just a casual method.
事実をもって反論する。- (To refute with the facts.)
- This implies the facts are being presented as incontrovertible proof—the foundational basis of the argument.
誠意をもって対応させていただきます。- (We will respond with the utmost sincerity.)
- This is a formal pledge that sincerity will be the guiding principle of the response, often used in formal apologies or high-stakes customer service.
〜をもって. It marks a precise and final point in time, functioning like "as of," "effective from," or "concluding on." Unlike 〜まで, which denotes a duration leading up to a point, 〜をもって pinpoints the exact moment of transition, cessation, or commencement. It draws a hard, official line in time.本日をもって本サービスは終了いたします。- (This service will terminate as of today.)
- This is a formal declaration. The service doesn't just run until today; today is the specific day on which its termination is officially enacted.
来年4月1日をもって新社名に変更となります。- (The company name will change effective April 1st of next year.)
- This marks the official start date of the new name. The date is "held" as the point of transition.
Formation Pattern
を and then one of the もって variants. The use of を is non-negotiable, as the noun is the conceptual direct object of the implied verb 持つ.
書面をもってご連絡します。 (We will contact you in writing.) |
以. Feels more traditional, authoritative, and sometimes archaic. | Legal contracts, government decrees, certificates, highly traditional or ceremonial texts. 本規約を以て定める。 (It is stipulated by these regulations.) |
持ちます (mochimasu), the polite form of 持つ. Softer and more deferential. | Public announcements, closing ceremonies, addressing a live audience. 以上をもちまして閉会とします。 (With that, we conclude the ceremony.) |
When To Use It
〜をもって is a deliberate choice to elevate the register of your communication. Reserve it for situations where you need to convey officialdom and finality.- Official Announcements & Public Notices: This is the primary use case. It conveys that a decision is official and affects a group.
弊社は2026年12月31日をもって、A事業から撤退いたします。(Our company will withdraw from Business A as of December 31, 2026.)
- Legal, Contractual, and Administrative Documents: Its precision is essential for defining terms, effective dates, and binding methods.
本契約は双方の署名をもって発効するものとする。(This contract shall become effective by means of the signatures of both parties.)
- Formal Speeches and Ceremonies: Used frequently in opening and closing statements to add procedural gravity.
これをもちまして、開会の辞とさせていただきます。(I hereby declare the ceremony open with these words.)
- Serious Personal Declarations (in writing): In contexts like a formal resignation letter, it underscores the finality of the decision.
本日をもって退職させていただきます。(I hereby resign as of today.)
When Not To Use It
〜をもって is a common error that can make your Japanese sound inappropriately stiff, pompous, or simply incorrect. Avoid it in these scenarios:- Casual, Everyday Conversation: Never use it with friends, family, or in informal work chats. It is jarringly formal. Saying
この会議をもって帰ります(I'll go home with this meeting as the end-point) sounds bizarrely robotic. Stick toこの会議が終わったら帰ります.
- Referring to Physical Tools:
〜をもってis for abstract means. For concrete instruments, always use the particleで. - Incorrect:
ハサミをもって紙を切る。 - Correct:
ハサミで紙を切る。(To cut paper with scissors.) - Using
もってhere implies you are making a formal declaration about the authority of the scissors, which is nonsensical.
- Expressing Simple Duration or a Vague Endpoint: To talk about an activity continuing until a certain time, use
〜まで.〜をもってmarks the sharp cut-off point, not the duration before it. - Incorrect:
図書館は午後5時をもって開いています。(Implies it opens or closes definitively at 5 PM, not that it's open until 5 PM.) - Correct:
図書館は午後5時まで開いています。(The library is open until 5 PM.)
Common Mistakes
〜をもって due to its narrow, formal scope. Watch out for these specific pitfalls.- 1Incorrect Particle (
に,で): Learners sometimes substituteをwith other particles. The pattern is fixed: Noun + を + もって. The logic is that the noun is the object being "held" (持つ).
- Mistake:
本日にもって終了します。 - Correction:
本日をもって終了します。
- 1Confusing
をもってwithによって: This is a critical C1-level distinction. While both can translate to "by means of," their nuances are different.〜によってis broader, indicating cause, agent, or dependency, often in an objective or analytical tone.〜をもってis about a willed, formal declaration.
津波によって多くの家が破壊された。(Many houses were destroyed by the tsunami.) - Tsunami is the cause/agent.をもってis impossible here.社長の決定をもって、プロジェクトは中止となった。(The project was cancelled based on the president's decision.) - The president's decision is the formal, declared basis for the action.
- 1Inappropriate Register: Using this grammar in a standard business email for a simple request is overkill. For "I am contacting you by email," use
メールでご連絡します, not the overly dramaticメールをもってご連絡します.
Common Collocations
H=High, L=Low).書面をもって ([ショメンヲモッテ]` LHHHHHHH) - In writing; by written document. (Used to formalize communication.)本日をもって ([ホンジツヲモッテ]` HLLLLLLLL) - As of today; effective today. (Marks a definitive start or end.)誠意をもって ([セイイヲモッテ]` HLLLHHHH) - With sincerity; in good faith. (A formal pledge of attitude.)責任をもって ([セキニンヲモッテ]` LHHHHHHHH) - With responsibility; responsibly. (Emphasizes accountability.)身をもって ([ミヲモッテ]` HLLLL) - Through personal experience. (Indicates firsthand knowledge, often of something difficult.)以上をもちまして ([イジョーヲモチマシテ]` LHHHHHHHHHHHH) - With this, we conclude... (Standard closing formula for ceremonies and presentations.)〜をもって代えさせていただきます- I will let this serve as... (A highly formal way to state a substitution, e.g.,ご挨拶は書面をもちまして代えさせていただきます- "Please allow this letter to serve in place of a personal greeting.")
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Precisely distinguishing 〜をもって from similar expressions is crucial for advanced usage. The key differences lie in formality and core function.
| Pattern | Core Nuance | Formality | Means vs. Time | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 〜をもって | Formal Declaration. Marks a definitive basis or temporal boundary with authority. | Very High | Abstract Means: Basis, principle. Time: Sharp start/end point. | 本日をもって閉店します。 (We close as of today.) |
| 〜で | Neutral Means/Tool. Simple, factual statement of means, cause, or location. | Neutral | Means: Physical tools, abstract methods. Time: Indicates time of completion (3日で完成). | ペンで書く。 (Write with a pen.) バスで来た。 (Came by bus.) |
| 〜まで | Duration/Continuity. Indicates a period leading up to an endpoint. Focus is on the duration. | Neutral | Means: N/A Time: The activity continues until this point. | 5時まで働きます。 (I will work until 5 o'clock.) |
| 〜によって | Cause/Agent/Method. Explains why or how something happened, often objectively. | Mid-High | Means: Cause, agent (in passives), method. Time: Can mean "depending on the time" (時間によって). | 研究によって明らかになった。 (It was revealed through research.) |
| 〜を限りに | Final Limit. Marks the very last time something happens. Strong sense of finality and cessation. | High | Means: N/A Time: Emphasizes this is the absolute end. Often more emotional. | 今日を限りに甘い物を食べるのをやめる！ (Starting today, I'm quitting sweets for good!) |
Quick FAQ
以て instead of もって?を以て is standard in legal code, official certificates, and highly traditional writing where it lends an air of gravitas. In modern business announcements or formal speeches, however, the hiragana をもって is far more common and generally safer.以て in a standard business document can feel overly archaic or pretentious.をもって always imply an ending?〜をもって終了します), it marks any definitive transition point. It can absolutely declare a beginning. For example, 本日をもって、新チームが発足します (The new team is officially launched as of today).をもちまして in store announcements instead of をもって?をもちまして is the te-form of 持ちます (mochimasu), the polite -masu form of 持つ. This polite inflection softens the declarative force of the statement, making it more suitable and respectful when addressing the public. It's a strategic choice to maintain formality while sounding less abrupt and more considerate.本日をもって and 本日を限りに for ending something?本日をもって is a formal, procedural declaration of an endpoint. It is objective and official.本日を限りに (honjitsu wo kagiri ni) carries a stronger nuance of "this is the absolute last time," often with a more personal or emotional weight. You would use をもって for a company closing a branch, but a singer might announce their retirement from the stage 本日を限りに.Formation Table
| Noun Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Noun
|
Time + をもって
|
{本日|ほんじつ}をもって
|
|
Method Noun
|
Method + をもって
|
{書面|しょめん}をもって
|
|
Abstract Noun
|
Abstract + をもって
|
{誠意|せいい}をもって
|
Meanings
A formal particle construction used to indicate the means, method, or the specific time/date when something takes effect or concludes.
Means/Method
Indicates the tool, method, or basis for an action.
“{誠意|せいい}をもって{対応|たいおう}する。”
“{全会一致|ぜんかいいっち}をもって{可決|かけつ}された。”
Time/Deadline
Indicates the exact point in time when an event begins or ends.
“{本日|ほんじつ}をもって{閉店|へいてん}します。”
“{三月|さんがつ}をもって{退職|たいしょく}する。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + をもって
|
{書面|しょめん}をもって
|
|
Time Limit
|
Time + をもって
|
{三月|さんがつ}をもって
|
|
Method
|
Method + をもって
|
{実力|じつりょく}をもって
|
|
Formal Emphasis
|
Noun + をもってして
|
{彼|かれ}をもってして
|
Formality Spectrum
本日をもって閉店いたします。 (Store closure announcement)
今日で閉店します。 (Store closure announcement)
今日で終わり。 (Store closure announcement)
今日で店閉めるわ。 (Store closure announcement)
Usage Map
Time
- 本日 Today
Method
- 書面 Document
Examples by Level
{本日|ほんじつ}をもって{終了|しゅうりょう}です。
It ends as of today.
{書面|しょめん}をもって{通知|つうち}します。
I will notify you by document.
{全会一致|ぜんかいいっち}をもって{決定|けってい}した。
It was decided by unanimous vote.
{三月|さんがつ}をもって{退職|たいしょく}いたします。
I will resign as of March.
{誠意|せいい}をもって{対応|たいおう}させていただきます。
We will handle this with sincerity.
{本契約|ほんけいやく}は{本日|ほんじつ}をもって{失効|しっこう}する。
This contract expires as of today.
Easily Confused
Both indicate means.
Both indicate time.
Both indicate method.
Common Mistakes
友達とをもって遊ぶ
友達と遊ぶ
をもって食べる
箸で食べる
明日をもって
明日から
をもってして行く
行く
会議をもって話す
会議で話す
をもってする
をもって
をもっての決定
をもって決定
をもっての期限
をもって期限とする
をもってしての成功
をもって成功
をもって、終わる
をもって終了する
をもってしての対応
をもって対応
をもっての終了
をもって終了
をもっての判断
をもって判断
をもってする判断
をもって判断
Sentence Patterns
___をもって終了します。
___をもって回答いたします。
___をもって決定する。
___をもって失効する。
Real World Usage
書面をもって回答します。
本日をもって閉店します。
本契約は本日をもって失効する。
全会一致をもって決定した。
本制度は三月をもって終了する。
誠意をもって対応いたします。
Register Check
Noun Only
Finality
Business Etiquette
Smart Tips
Use 'wo motte' for deadlines.
Use 'wo motte' for methods.
Use 'wo motte' for closures.
Use 'wo motte' for contract terms.
Pronunciation
Rhythm
Ensure the 'o' in 'wo' is clear, though often pronounced as 'o'.
Flat
Noun-wo-motte
Neutral, professional delivery.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'motte' as 'holding' (motsu). You are 'holding' a document or a date to make it official.
Visual Association
Imagine a judge holding a gavel (the means) to end a trial (the deadline).
Rhyme
For formal tone, use 'motte' alone.
Story
Mr. Tanaka is retiring. He writes a letter. He says 'As of today (honjitsu wo motte), I retire.' He hands it over with sincerity (seii wo motte).
Word Web
Challenge
Write a formal sentence about a project deadline using 'をもって'.
Cultural Notes
Essential for maintaining professional distance.
Used to define the exact scope of a contract.
Used in official government notices.
Derived from the verb 'motsu' (to hold).
Conversation Starters
いつこのプロジェクトは終わりますか？
どのようにこの問題を解決しますか？
この契約はいつまでですか？
どのような手段で証明しますか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
本日___閉店します。
Which is formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
友達とをもって遊ぶ。
今日で辞めます。
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
本日 / 終了 / をもって / します
___をもって回答する。
全会一致___決定した。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises本日___閉店します。
Which is formal?
Find and fix the mistake:
友達とをもって遊ぶ。
今日で辞めます。
Formal 'by means of'
本日 / 終了 / をもって / します
___をもって回答する。
全会一致___決定した。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises以上___もちまして、説明会を終了します。(With this, we end the briefing.)
Arrange: [通知 / 書面 / します / をもって]. (We will notify by document.)
Select the Japanese for 'As of today' (Formal).
In which situation should you use 'wo motte'?
メールをもって連絡してください。 (Please contact via email - Casual context)
Read the formal terms:
___をもって体験する (To experience firsthand/personally)
1月1日___新しいルールが適用されます。(New rules apply as of Jan 1st.)
Arrange: [退職 / 本日 / となります / をもって].
How do you say 'With sincerity' in a formal apology?
手紙によって通知します。(Notify by letter - Formal)
Compare nuances:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, it must attach to a noun.
No, it is too formal.
'de' is neutral, 'wo motte' is formal.
No, it is a particle phrase.
Yes, for deadlines.
Yes, in formal narration.
You will sound overly stiff.
Yes, very common.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
por medio de
Spanish is less restricted by register.
au moyen de
French is more common in speech.
mittels
German uses genitive case.
で
Register.
بواسطة
Arabic is used more broadly.
以
Chinese 'yi' is more versatile.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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