# はもちろん: not to mention; of course

> Learn how to use はもちろん, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not to mention; of course, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-wa-mochiron/

**はもちろん** means **not to mention; of course**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **say one thing is obvious and add something else too**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **say one thing is obvious and add something else too**, **はもちろん** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does はもちろん mean?

Use **はもちろん** when you want to **say one thing is obvious and add something else too**.

Natural translations include:
- not to mention; of course
- not to mention
- not to mention / of course

## How to form はもちろん

Noun + はもちろん

Examples of the pattern:
- 日本語はもちろん
- 学生はもちろん
- 平日はもちろん

## When is はもちろん used?

Use **はもちろん** in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## はもちろん example sentences

- 彼は英語はもちろん、中国語も話せます。 — He can speak Chinese, not to mention English.
- この店は料理はもちろん、サービスもいい。 — At this restaurant, not only the food but also the service is good.
- 学生はもちろん、社会人にも役立つ本です。 — This book is useful for working adults, not to mention students.
- 平日はもちろん、週末も営業しています。 — We are open on weekends, not to mention weekdays.
- 漢字はもちろん、文法も勉強する必要があります。 — You need to study grammar too, not to mention kanji.

## Nuance of はもちろん

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “not to mention; of course” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **はもちろん** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the reason, comparison, intention, impossibility, distribution, or expected conclusion in the sentence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## はもちろん vs だけでなく

Both **はもちろん** and **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**はもちろん**:
- means **not to mention; of course**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**:
- だけでなく means “not only”; はもちろん implies the first item is obvious or expected

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 彼は英語はもちろん、中国語も話せます。 — He can speak Chinese, not to mention English.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with はもちろん

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **はもちろん** with the wrong form
- Confusing **はもちろん** with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is はもちろん on the JLPT?

Yes. **はもちろん** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** 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 はもちろん

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **はもちろん**.
- Contrast **はもちろん** with **[だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/)**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for はもちろん

To learn **はもちろん** efficiently, review simple listing with そして, then practice adding a second point in the same positive or negative direction.

1. First, make sure you can form **はもちろん** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [上に（うえに）](/blog/n3-ue-ni/), [だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences that stack reasons, qualities, or examples; then check whether replacing **はもちろん** with [ばかりでなく](/blog/n3-bakari-denaku/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [上に（うえに）](/blog/n3-ue-ni/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [だけでなく](/blog/n3-dake-de-naku/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [ばかりでなく](/blog/n3-bakari-denaku/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.
- [も～ば～も](/blog/n3-mo-ba-mo/) — because it also adds information in “not only / in addition” sentences.

## Learn はもちろん with Hane

If you want to review **はもちろん** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)