はもとより

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 — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• n2 nominarazu — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• 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
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons