はもとより (wa moto yori) – Meaning & Usage

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

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

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.

Nuance of はもとより

The key nuance is say something is obvious and add something beyond it.

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

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

Practice questions for はもとより

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.

First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
Then compare はもとより with はもちろん and the related lessons below.
Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes はもとより necessary.

n3 wa mochiron — not to mention; of course.
n2 nominarazu — not only; as well as.
n2 ni kagirazu — not only; not limited to.

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:

FAQ about はもとより

What does はもとより (wa moto yori) mean in Japanese?

はもとより (wa moto yori) means “not only; let alone”. It is JLPT N2 grammar. Use はもとより when you want to say something is obvious and add something beyond it.

How do you form はもとより (wa moto yori)?