How to Emphasize with '-wa mochiron -mo' (Not only... but also...)
When you want to make a point in Japanese, sometimes just listing facts isn't enough. You need to add emphasis and show that your argument is strong. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by using the grammar pattern 「〜はもちろん、〜も」 (~wa mochiron, ~mo).
This structure allows you to say "Not only X, but also Y," making your statement more persuasive and impactful. It's a fantastic tool for presentations, discussions, and even just for praising something or someone enthusiastically.
This guide will teach you how to master this pattern to structure your arguments more effectively and sound more like a native speaker.
1. The Basic Structure
The core of this grammar is straightforward. You take an obvious or expected fact (A) and add a second, often more impressive, fact (B) to it.
The Core Pattern:
A はもちろん、B も [Verb/Adjective]
(A wa mochiron, B mo...)
"Of course A, but also B..." or "Not only A, but also B..."
Let's break it down:
- A はもちろん (A wa mochiron): This means "of course A," "not to mention A," or "A is a given." It establishes the baseline.
- B も (B mo): This means "also B" or "B as well." This adds the second layer to your point.
2. Sample Sentences
Let's see how this works in real-life situations.
Example 1: Praising a restaurant
あの店は、味はもちろん、サービスも最高ですよ。
(Ano mise wa, aji wa mochiron, sābisu mo saikō desu yo.)
"That restaurant, not only is the food great, but the service is also the best."
Example 2: Describing someone's skills
彼は英語はもちろん、スペイン語も話せます。
(Kare wa Eigo wa mochiron, Supeingo mo hanasemasu.)
"He can speak not only English, but also Spanish."
Example 3: Talking about a place
京都は紅葉の季節はもちろん、桜の季節も美しいです。
(Kyōto wa kōyō no kisetsu wa mochiron, sakura no kisetsu mo utsukushii desu.)
"Kyoto is beautiful not only in the autumn leaves season, but also in the cherry blossom season."
3. Usage Nuance
The key to using this phrase naturally is to make sure that "A" is something the listener would generally expect or agree with. You then use "B" to add new or more impressive information. This structure creates a powerful, persuasive effect.
💡 Pro Tip
In casual speech, you might hear 「〜はもとより (~wa motoyori)」 used instead of 「〜はもちろん」. It has the same meaning but can sound a bit more formal or literary.
Conclusion
Mastering 「〜はもちろん、〜も」 will elevate your Japanese from simply stating facts to building convincing arguments. It shows a deeper understanding of how to structure and emphasize your thoughts.
Next time you want to praise something, try using this pattern. You’ll find that it makes your compliments and opinions sound much more compelling!