but then; although; though~ (もっとも) – Japanese Grammar もっとも (motto mo)

Q: What JLPT level is もっとも?

JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Q: How do you use もっとも in a sentence?

Attach もっとも to the appropriate verb or noun form. But then; although; though~

Q: Is もっとも formal or casual Japanese?

もっとも is typically used in formal or written Japanese contexts.

もっとも

N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today

motto mo

but then; although; though~

てまで te made に関わる ni kakawaru というふうに to iu fuu ni 要するに you suru ni どころか dokoro ka ざるを得ない zaru o enai 一応 ichiou かのように ka no you ni ようか～まいか you ka~mai ka にて nite を問わず o towazu ぬ nu と考えられる to kangaerareru だけましだ dake mashi da 抜きにして nuki ni shite 末に sue ni 反面 hanmen のみならず nominarazu ようではないか you dewa nai ka からと言って kara to itte てまで te made に関わる ni kakawaru というふうに to iu fuu ni 要するに you suru ni どころか dokoro ka ざるを得ない zaru o enai 一応 ichiou かのように ka no you ni ようか～まいか you ka~mai ka にて nite を問わず o towazu ぬ nu と考えられる to kangaerareru だけましだ dake mashi da 抜きにして nuki ni shite 末に sue ni 反面 hanmen のみならず nominarazu ようではないか you dewa nai ka からと言って kara to itte

🃏 Flashcard

もっとも

motto mo

Tap to reveal usage

but then; although; though~

Tap to test your recall · +10 XP

📊 Pattern Stats

JLPT Level N2

Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage

Reading motto mo

Post ID 51070

Patterns today 0

0 / 10 daily goal

📝 Usage Notes

but then; although; though~

📖 How to use it

A conjunction meaning 'but then' or 'although', used to introduce a nuance of concession or partial exception to what was just said.

Attaches to Attaches to the beginning of a clause, often after a comma or period. It can also follow a noun or な-adjective stem with だ (e.g., もっとも、彼は学生だ).

This word is used to qualify or soften a previous statement, similar to 'though' or 'but then' in English. It often introduces a small exception or a point that limits what was just said. For example, you might say something positive about a plan, then add もっとも to note a drawback. It is more common in written or formal spoken Japanese than in casual conversation, where you might use ただ or でも instead.

もっとも can also be used as an adverb meaning 'most', but in this pattern it functions as a conjunction. The nuance is that the speaker is making a concession or adding a caveat, not contradicting outright.

あのレストランはおいしいです。もっとも、値段は高いですが。

Ano resutoran wa oishii desu. Motto mo, nedan wa takai desu ga.

That restaurant is delicious. Though the prices are high.

旅行に行きたいです。もっとも、時間がないんですけどね。

Ryokou ni ikitai desu. Motto mo, jikan ga nain desu kedo ne.

I want to go on a trip. But then, I don't have time, you know.

彼は頭がいいです。もっとも、努力もしていますが。

Kare wa atama ga ii desu. Motto mo, doryoku mo shite imasu ga.

He is smart. Though he also works hard.

Not でも / ただしでも is a simple 'but' for direct contrast. ただし adds a condition or limitation and is more formal. もっとも adds a softer, more conversational caveat, often as an afterthought.

🎯 Quick Quiz

What does this grammar pattern mean or do?

もっとも

📚 How to Master This Pattern

🔊

Say It Aloud

Press Hear it and repeat もっとも three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.

🃏

Flip Before Reading

Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.

✍️

Write Two Sentences

Compose two original sentences using もっとも. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.

⏰

Spaced Review

Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.

🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns

← Previous

ものの

but; although; even though~

もう少しで

almost; nearly, close to~

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the grammar pattern もっとも mean? ▼

But then; although; though~

What JLPT level is もっとも? ▼

Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.

How do you use もっとも in a sentence? ▼

Attach もっとも (motto mo) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.

Is もっとも formal or casual Japanese? ▼

もっとも is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.

How can I remember もっとも long-term? ▼

Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.