もっともmotto mo“but then; although; though”

もっとも means but then; although; though ~. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat, もっとも is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does もっとも mean?

Use もっとも when you want to express that the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat.

Natural translations include:

• but then; although; though ~

How to form もっとも

Sentence + もっとも、Sentence

Examples of the pattern:

• もっとも、例外もある
• もっとも、それは建前だが

When is もっとも used?

Use もっとも in situations like:

• adding a qualification or concession

Tone and register:

• neutral to formal; analytical and balanced
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

もっとも example sentences

• 彼の意見は正しい。もっとも、例外もあるが。 — His opinion is correct. That said, there are exceptions.
• その通りだ。もっとも、それは理想論だが。 — That’s right. Of course, that’s just an ideal.
• 明日の旅行は楽しみだ。もっとも、天気が良ければの話だが。 — I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s trip. That is, if the weather is good.
• 彼は優秀だ。もっとも、努力の結果だが。 — He’s excellent. Mind you, it’s the result of hard work.
• 賛成だ。もっとも、条件次第だが。 — I agree. Though it depends on the conditions.

After reading each sentence, ask what job もっとも is doing: the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat.

Nuance of もっとも

The key nuance is the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with ただし, it carries a different weight and implication.

もっとも vs ただし

もっとも:

• the speaker acknowledges a point then adds a qualifying or contrasting caveat

ただし:

• however; provided that (more conditional)

Quick contrast examples:

• 正しい。もっとも例外はある。
• 正しい。ただし例外はある。

Common mistakes with もっとも

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with もっとも, then rewrite it with ただし. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is もっとも on the JLPT?

Yes. もっとも is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for もっとも

• Use もっとも in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of もっとも is necessary.
• Compare もっとも with ただし in your own example.

Learning path for もっとも

To learn もっとも efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form もっとも without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with ただし.
3. Finally, write sentences where もっとも is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• ものの — because it also involves contrast and unexpected outcomes
• からと言って（からといって） — because it also refutes and qualifies assumptions
• もっとも — because it also adds caveats to stated positions

Learn もっとも with Hane

If you want to review もっとも together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

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