This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 particle #3,000 most common 5 min read

～はもちろん

wa mochiron
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to connect simple ideas. While '～はもちろん' is usually considered a B1 (Intermediate) grammar point, you can understand it as a stronger version of 'and' (と) or 'also' (も). Imagine you are talking about things you like. Instead of saying 'I like apples. I like oranges,' you use this to say 'Apples are a given, but I also like oranges!' It helps you group items together. At this stage, focus on using it with simple nouns like food, colors, or basic hobbies. Think of it as: [Thing 1] + はもちろん + [Thing 2] + も. It's a great way to sound more natural when listing things you enjoy or can do.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use '～はもちろん' to describe your daily life and basic skills with more emphasis. You might use it to talk about your abilities, such as 'I can speak Japanese, not to mention my native language.' It helps you move away from simple 'A and B' sentences and adds a layer of logic. You are starting to show that some things are 'obvious' (mochiron means 'of course'). For example, when talking about a trip, you could say the hotel was clean (obvious) and the food was delicious (the extra point). This level focuses on the structural requirement of adding 'も' in the second part of the sentence to make the grammar work correctly.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '～はもちろん' in various contexts, including work, school, and social situations. This is the level where the grammar point is officially introduced in most curricula (like the JLPT N3). You should understand the nuance of 'A is a baseline.' You can now use it with nominalized verbs (using 'こと'). For example, 'Not only eating (taberu koto wa mochiron), but I also like cooking.' You should also be able to distinguish it from '～だけでなく' (not just). You use 'はもちろん' when you want to emphasize that the first part is so natural or expected that it's the starting point for your statement. It adds a persuasive tone to your speaking and writing.
At the B2 level, you use '～はもちろん' to construct more complex arguments and detailed descriptions. You might use it in business settings to highlight the strengths of a product or a proposal: 'This plan is cost-effective, not to mention its long-term sustainability.' You should also be aware of its formal counterpart '～はもとより' and know when to switch between them based on the audience. At this level, you are expected to use the grammar accurately without forgetting the 'も' and to use it with abstract nouns like 'responsibility,' 'influence,' or 'potential.' You can also use it to describe negative situations, such as 'The accident affected the driver, not to mention the passengers.'
At the C1 level, '～はもちろん' becomes a tool for rhetorical precision. You use it to acknowledge a widely accepted premise before introducing a more nuanced or critical point. It helps in structuring academic essays or professional presentations where you need to show a comprehensive understanding of a topic. You might use it to discuss social trends: 'The policy change affected the economy, not to mention the psychological well-being of the citizens.' You understand the subtle difference in 'weight' between the first and second elements and can use this to guide your listener's attention. You also recognize it in classical-style modern Japanese or high-level legal and political discourse.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over '～はもちろん' and its variants. You can use it with perfect timing in high-stakes negotiations or philosophical debates to concede an obvious point while pivoting to a more complex one. You are sensitive to the stylistic rhythm it creates in a sentence. You can effortlessly weave it into complex sentences involving multiple clauses and other high-level grammar points like '～にかかわらず' or '～を抜きにしては.' You also understand its historical roots and how it relates to the concept of 'common sense' (joshiki) in Japanese culture. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, using it to provide clarity, emphasis, and logical flow.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

～はもちろん in 30 Seconds

  • Used to list an obvious thing followed by an additional thing.
  • Requires the particle 'mo' in the second part of the sentence.
  • Commonly translated as 'not to mention' or 'let alone'.
  • Can be used with nouns or nominalized verbs (verb + koto).

The grammar point ～はもちろん (wa mochiron) is a foundational yet sophisticated Japanese particle construction used to emphasize that a particular fact or condition is so obvious or well-known that it goes without saying, before introducing another related fact that is perhaps even more noteworthy or inclusive. In English, it is most frequently translated as 'not to mention,' 'let alone,' or 'not only... but also.' It functions as a bridge between the 'expected' and the 'additional.'

Core Concept
It establishes a baseline of truth (A) and then expands the scope to include (B). If A is true, then B is certainly true or also true.
Semantic Range
While often used for positive attributes (e.g., 'He is good at sports, not to mention study'), it can also be used in neutral or negative contexts to show the extent of a situation.

「このレストランは、味はもちろん、サービスも素晴らしい。」
(This restaurant's taste is a given, but the service is also wonderful.)

— Example of highlighting quality

「彼女は英語はもちろん、フランス語もペラペラだ。」
(She speaks English of course, but she is also fluent in French.)

The 'A はもちろん B も' Pattern
The most common structure involves the particle 'も' in the second part of the sentence to complete the 'also' sentiment.

「子供はもちろん、大人もこのアニメを楽しめる。」
(Children, not to mention adults, can enjoy this anime.)

「平日ははもちろん、週末も仕事をしている。」
(I work on weekdays of course, but I even work on weekends.)

Logical Flow
The logic follows: [Obvious Category] + はもちろん + [Extended/Surprising Category] + も + [Predicate].

「野菜はもちろん、果物もたくさん食べてください。」
(Eat plenty of vegetables, not to mention fruit.)

Using ～はもちろん correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the necessary follow-up particles. It primarily attaches to nouns or noun phrases.

1. Basic Noun Attachment

The most straightforward use is directly after a noun. No additional particles are needed between the noun and はもちろん.

[Noun] + はもちろん + [Noun] + も + [Verb/Adjective]

Example: 「ひらがなはもちろん、漢字も書けます。」 (I can write Hiragana, of course, and Kanji too.)

2. Using with Phrases (Noun Clauses)

If you want to use a verb or an adjective, you must first nominalize it using こと or の.

[Verb Dictionary Form] + こと + はもちろん

Example: 「泳ぐことはもちろん、スキーも得意です。」 (I'm good at swimming, of course, and skiing too.)

3. The Role of 「も」

The second part of the sentence almost always uses the particle も (also) to reinforce the connection. Without 'も', the sentence can feel incomplete or grammatically jarring.

4. Variations in Formality

  • はもとより (Formal): Used in speeches, business documents, or literature.
  • はもちろん (Standard): Used in daily conversation and standard writing.
  • はもちろんのこと (Emphatic): Adds extra weight to the 'obviousness' of the first part.

You will encounter ～はもちろん in a variety of social and professional settings in Japan. It is a versatile expression that fits both casual and formal registers.

1. Advertisements and Marketing

Marketing copy frequently uses this to list features. 'This car is known for its safety, not to mention its fuel efficiency!'

「デザインはもちろん、機能性も重視しています。」 (We focus on functionality, not to mention design.)

2. Interviews and Self-Introductions

When people describe their skills or experiences, they use it to show a range of abilities.

「プログラミングはもちろん、デザインの経験もあります。」 (I have experience in design, not to mention programming.)

3. Restaurant and Travel Reviews

Reviewers use it to praise multiple aspects of a service.

「景色はもちろん、料理も最高でした。」 (The food was great, not to mention the view.)

4. News and Documentaries

When reporting on social issues, journalists use it to show the scale of an impact.

「都市部はもちろん、地方でも高齢化が進んでいる。」 (Aging is progressing in rural areas, not to mention urban centers.)

Even intermediate learners often stumble on the nuances of ～はもちろん. Here are the most frequent errors to avoid.

1. Forgetting the 「も」

The most common mistake is ending the second clause with 'は' or 'が' instead of 'も'.

❌ 日本語はもちろん、英語は話せます。

✅ 日本語はもちろん、英語も話せます。

2. Incorrect Nominalization

You cannot attach 'はもちろん' directly to a verb. You must use 'こと'.

❌ 食べるはもちろん、作るのも好きです。

✅ 食べることはもちろん、作るのも好きです。

3. Logical Mismatch

The first item (A) must be more 'obvious' or 'basic' than the second item (B). You wouldn't say 'He can solve complex calculus, not to mention 1+1.'

❌ 難しい漢字はもちろん、ひらがなも読めます。

✅ ひらがなはもちろん、難しい漢字も読めます。

4. Overuse in Very Casual Settings

While used in conversation, overusing it can make you sound a bit like a salesperson or a textbook. In very casual speech, 'AだけじゃなくてBも' is often preferred.

Japanese has several ways to say 'not only... but also.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

～ばかりか (Bakari ka)
Meaning: 'Not only... but even...' This often carries a sense of surprise or that the second part is even more extreme than expected. It is slightly more formal than 'はもちろん'.
～のみならず (Nomi narazu)
Meaning: 'Not only...' This is very formal and mostly used in writing or formal speeches. It is the literary equivalent of 'だけでなく'.
～だけでなく (Dake de naku)
Meaning: 'Not just...' This is the most neutral and common way to express 'not only.' It doesn't emphasize the 'obviousness' of the first part as much as 'はもちろん' does.
～はもとより (Wa motoyori)
Meaning: 'From the beginning/Of course...' This is the formal/literary version of 'はもちろん'. You will see this in official announcements or high-level literature.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

すしはもちろん、天ぷらも好きです。

I like sushi, of course, and tempura too.

Simple noun + はもちろん.

2

犬はもちろん、猫も飼っています。

I have a dog, of course, and a cat too.

Listing pets.

3

日本語はもちろん、英語も勉強しています。

I'm studying Japanese, of course, and English too.

Studying two languages.

4

お母さんはもちろん、お父さんも元気です。

My mother is well, and my father is too.

Talking about family.

5

夏はもちろん、冬も海に行きます。

I go to the sea in summer, of course, and in winter too.

Time/Season usage.

6

リンゴはもちろん、バナナも買いました。

I bought apples, of course, and bananas too.

Shopping items.

7

ピアノはもちろん、ギターも弾けます。

I can play the piano, of course, and the guitar too.

Listing abilities.

8

東京はもちろん、大阪もにぎやかです。

Tokyo is lively, and Osaka is too.

Comparing cities.

1

この店はコーヒーはもちろん、ケーキがおいしい。

This shop's coffee is a given, but the cake is delicious.

Focusing on quality.

2

ひらがなはもちろん、カタカナも読めます。

I can read Hiragana, of course, and Katakana too.

Basic literacy skills.

3

彼は歌はもちろん、ダンスも上手だ。

He is good at singing, not to mention dancing.

Talents.

4

昨日はもちろん、今日も雨が降っている。

It rained yesterday, and it's raining today too.

Time continuity.

5

野菜はもちろん、肉もたくさん食べてください。

Eat plenty of vegetables, and meat too.

Advice/Imperative.

6

家の中はもちろん、庭もきれいにしました。

I cleaned the inside of the house, and the garden too.

Scope of action.

7

この本は子供はもちろん、大人も楽しめます。

This book is for children, of course, but adults can enjoy it too.

Target audience.

8

平日はもちろん、土曜日も働いています。

I work on weekdays, and even on Saturdays.

Work schedule.

1

料理を作ることはもちろん、食べることも大好きです。

I love cooking, not to mention eating.

Nominalized verb + はもちろん.

2

漢字を書くことはもちろん、読むことも難しいです。

Writing Kanji is hard, let alone reading it.

Expressing difficulty.

3

その映画はストーリーはもちろん、音楽も素晴らしかった。

The movie's story was great, not to mention the music.

Reviewing media.

4

彼は英語はもちろん、中国語もペラペラだ。

He is fluent in English, not to mention Chinese.

Language proficiency.

5

このパソコンは性能はもちろん、デザインもいい。

This PC has great performance, not to mention its design.

Product features.

6

家族はもちろん、友達も私の留学を応援してくれている。

My family, not to mention my friends, are supporting my study abroad.

Social support.

7

健康のためには食事はもちろん、運動も大切だ。

For health, diet is a given, but exercise is also important.

Health advice.

8

京都は神社はもちろん、古い街並みも魅力的だ。

Kyoto's shrines are a given, but the old streets are also charming.

Describing locations.

1

地球温暖化は人間はもちろん、動物たちにも大きな影響を与えている。

Global warming affects humans, not to mention animals.

Social/Environmental issues.

2

この新薬は効果はもちろん、安全性も確認されている。

The effectiveness of this new drug is a given, but its safety has also been confirmed.

Formal/Scientific context.

3

彼女は仕事はもちろん、ボランティア活動にも熱心だ。

She is dedicated to her work, not to mention her volunteer activities.

Describing character/lifestyle.

4

プロの選手になるには才能はもちろん、血の滲むような努力が必要だ。

To become a pro, talent is a given, but blood-sweating effort is necessary.

Emphasis on necessity.

5

その不祥事は会社の利益はもちろん、信頼も失わせた。

The scandal caused a loss of profits, not to mention trust.

Negative consequences.

6

今回のプロジェクトは予算はもちろん、期間も限られている。

This project has a limited budget, not to mention a limited timeframe.

Business constraints.

7

彼は自分のミスはもちろん、部下のミスも責任を取る。

He takes responsibility for his own mistakes, not to mention his subordinates'.

Leadership/Responsibility.

8

このスマートフォンはカメラはもちろん、バッテリーの持ちも非常に良い。

This smartphone has a great camera, not to mention excellent battery life.

Technical specifications.

1

古典文学は言葉の美しさはもちろん、当時の価値観を知る上でも重要だ。

Classical literature is important for the beauty of its language, not to mention understanding the values of the time.

Academic/Cultural analysis.

2

経済の安定は国民の生活はもちろん、国の存立に関わる問題だ。

Economic stability is a matter of the people's livelihood, not to mention the very existence of the nation.

Political/Macro-level discussion.

3

その建築家は建物の外観はもちろん、住む人の動線も緻密に計算している。

The architect meticulously calculates the exterior, not to mention the flow of the people living there.

Professional expertise.

4

差別問題の解決には法整備はもちろん、個人の意識改革が不可欠である。

Solving discrimination requires legal frameworks, not to mention a change in individual consciousness.

Societal reform.

5

AIの進化は利便性の向上はもちろん、倫理的な課題も突きつけている。

The evolution of AI brings improved convenience, not to mention ethical challenges.

Technological ethics.

6

彼は学問的な業績はもちろん、その人格においても尊敬を集めている。

He commands respect for his academic achievements, not to mention his character.

High-level character praise.

7

伝統文化の継承は技術の伝承はもちろん、精神の継承でもある。

Inheriting traditional culture is about passing on techniques, not to mention passing on the spirit.

Philosophical/Cultural.

8

急激な都市化は環境破壊はもちろん、地域コミュニティの崩壊も招いた。

Rapid urbanization led to environmental destruction, not to mention the collapse of local communities.

Complex cause and effect.

1

真理の探究は知的好奇心を満たすことはもちろん、人類の地平を広げる行為である。

The pursuit of truth satisfies intellectual curiosity, not to mention expanding the horizons of humanity.

Abstract philosophical statement.

2

言論の自由は民主主義の根幹はもちろん、個人の尊厳を守る最後の砦である。

Freedom of speech is the foundation of democracy, not to mention the last bastion for protecting individual dignity.

Political philosophy.

3

その指揮者は楽譜の解釈はもちろん、オーケストラの個々の音色まで完璧に掌握していた。

The conductor had perfect command over the interpretation of the score, not to mention the individual tones of the orchestra.

Artistic mastery.

4

グローバル化は経済のボーダレス化はもちろん、文化の均質化という危惧も孕んでいる。

Globalization involves the borderless nature of the economy, not to mention the fear of cultural homogenization.

Critical social theory.

5

生命倫理の議論は科学的知見はもちろん、宗教的・哲学的な洞察も必要とされる。

Discussions on bioethics require scientific knowledge, not to mention religious and philosophical insights.

Interdisciplinary complexity.

6

この条約の批准は国家間の信頼醸成はもちろん、地域全体の安定に寄与するだろう。

The ratification of this treaty will contribute to building trust between nations, not to mention the stability of the entire region.

Diplomatic discourse.

7

芸術の本質は美の追求はもちろん、既存の価値観に対する問いかけにもある。

The essence of art lies in the pursuit of beauty, not to mention questioning existing values.

Aesthetic theory.

8

歴史の教訓は過去の過ちを繰り返さないことはもちろん、未来を構想する指針となる。

The lessons of history are about not repeating past mistakes, not to mention serving as a guide for envisioning the future.

Historical philosophy.

Common Collocations

味はもちろん (Taste is a given)
自分はもちろん (Myself of course)
国内はもちろん (Domestic of course)
子供はもちろん (Children of course)
平日はもちろん (Weekdays of course)
性能はもちろん (Performance is a given)
英語はもちろん (English of course)
家族はもちろん (Family of course)
見た目はもちろん (Appearance is a given)
初心者はもちろん (Beginners of course)

Common Phrases

味はもちろんのこと (Not just the taste...)

言うまでもなく (Needless to say)

もちろんそうです (Of course that is so)

～はもちろん、～もまた (A of course, and B also...)

～はもちろんですが (A is a given, but...)

～はもちろんのことながら (As is obvious...)

～はもちろん含めて (Including A of course)

～はもちろん対象です (A is of course a target)

～はもちろんOKです (A is of course okay)

～はもちろん承知しています (I am of course aware of A)

Often Confused With

～はもちろん vs ～だけでなく (Not just - less emphasis on obviousness)

～はもちろん vs ～ばかりか (Not only - more emphasis on surprise)

～はもちろん vs ～はもちろんのこと (Just a more emphatic version)

Idioms & Expressions

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Easily Confused

～はもちろん vs もちろん

Used as an adverb meaning 'of course' on its own.

～はもちろん vs もとより

More formal version of the same grammar point.

～はもちろん vs 当たり前

An adjective/noun meaning 'natural' or 'obvious'.

～はもちろん vs 当然

A more formal word for 'natural' or 'obvious'.

～はもちろん vs 言うまでもなく

A phrase meaning 'it goes without saying'.

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

How to Use It

logic

The flow must go from 'Expected' to 'Additional'.

negative

Can be used to show the extent of damage or trouble.

positive

Often used to praise or list benefits.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'wa' instead of 'mo' in the second part.
  • Attaching directly to a verb without 'koto'.
  • Putting the more surprising item first.
  • Using it to compare things that don't belong in the same category.
  • Forgetting the 'wa' before 'mochiron'.

Tips

The 'Mo' Rule

Always ensure your second item is followed by 'mo'. It's the most common mistake for learners.

Formal vs Casual

Use 'wa mochiron' in daily life and 'wa motoyori' in formal letters or speeches.

Hierarchy

Make sure the first item is more basic or expected than the second one.

Nominalization

Remember to use 'koto' when attaching this to a verb phrase.

Emphasis

Stress the 'mochiron' slightly to show you are establishing a baseline.

Predicting

When you hear 'wa mochiron', prepare your brain for an 'also' (mo) coming up.

Kanji

Learning the kanji 勿論 helps you remember the meaning 'no argument'.

Persuasion

Use this grammar point when you want to sound more convincing or thorough.

Comparison

Compare it with 'dake de naku' to see how the 'obviousness' changes the feel.

Social Harmony

Notice how it's used to acknowledge what everyone already knows.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

A staple of Japanese 'Teinei' (polite) advertising.

Helps avoid sounding too blunt by acknowledging the obvious.

Used in Ryokans to describe services.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"「日本料理といえば、寿司はもちろん何が好きですか？」"

"「仕事はもちろん、プライベートも充実していますか？」"

"「この映画、映像はもちろん音楽もすごくないですか？」"

"「旅行に行くなら、場所はもちろんホテルも大事ですよね？」"

"「健康のために、食事はもちろん気をつけていることはありますか？」"

Journal Prompts

Write about your favorite city. Mention the famous spots 'mochiron', and then some hidden gems.

Describe your skills. What can you do 'mochiron', and what else are you learning?

Reflect on a person you respect. What are their obvious strengths and their surprising ones?

Talk about your daily routine. What do you do 'mochiron', and what do you do for fun?

Discuss a hobby. What equipment is 'mochiron' necessary, and what is optional?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically incomplete in most cases. The 'mo' is essential to link the two parts of the thought.

Yes, it is very common in business to highlight multiple strengths or features of a proposal.

'Wa mochiron' implies the first thing is a given. 'Dake de naku' is a neutral 'not only'.

Yes. For example: 'He can't speak English, let alone Japanese' (though 'wa oroka' is more common for negative extremes).

You must nominalize the verb first: [Verb + koto] はもちろん.

Yes, but it is much more formal and usually found in writing or speeches.

Yes, you can say 'A wa mochiron, B mo C mo...'.

No, it usually appears in the middle of a sentence to connect two nouns or phrases.

It is standard polite (Teineigo). It's safe for most situations.

It is typically associated with the JLPT N3 level (Intermediate).

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!