# はもとより: not only; let alone > Learn how to use はもとより, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning not only; let alone, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-wa-moto-yori/ **はもとより** means **not only; let alone**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **say something is obvious and add something beyond it**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **はもとより** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does はもとより mean? Use **はもとより** when you want to **say something is obvious and add something beyond it**. Natural translations include: - not only; let alone - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form はもとより Noun + はもとより Examples of the pattern: - 彼は日本語はもとより - この店は味はもとより - 社員はもとより In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is はもとより used? Use **はもとより** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## はもとより example sentences - 彼は日本語はもとより、英語も話せる。 — He can speak not only Japanese but also English. - この店は味はもとより、サービスもすばらしい。 — This shop has not only good taste but also excellent service. - 社員はもとより、家族も参加できます。 — Not only employees but also family members can participate. - 安全性はもとより、使いやすさも重視した。 — We emphasized not only safety but also ease of use. - 国内はもとより、海外でも人気がある。 — It is popular not only domestically but also overseas. After reading each sentence, ask what job **はもとより** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of はもとより The key nuance is **say something is obvious and add something beyond it**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **はもとより** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **はもちろん**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## はもとより vs はもちろん Both **はもとより** and **はもちろん** can express related ideas, but they are different. **はもとより**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **はもちろん**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - 彼は日本語はもとより、英語も話せる。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **はもちろん** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with はもとより Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **はもちろん** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **はもとより**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is はもとより on the JLPT? Yes. **はもとより** 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 For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for はもとより Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **はもとより**. - Write a second sentence with **はもちろん** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for はもとより To learn **はもとより** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **はもとより** with **はもちろん** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **はもとより** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n3 wa mochiron](/blog/n3-wa-mochiron/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 nominarazu](/blog/n2-nominarazu/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [n2 ni kagirazu](/blog/n2-ni-kagirazu/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn はもとより with Hane If you want to review **はもとより** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)