もっと
motto[mo̞t̚to̞]
The English phrase 'more' is expressed in Japanese as もっと (motto).
To express the concept of 'more and more' or 'increasingly', the word ますます is commonly used instead.
Which one should you use?
もっと is used for degree (more intense, more fast), it is not used to mean 'an additional amount' of a noun. For additional quantities, one would use more specific counters or phrases like もっと多くの.
How does it change in a sentence?
もっと is an adverb that modifies adjectives, verbs or other adverbs to indicate a greater degree.
How do you pronounce it?
motto
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use もっと when you want to refer to an additional quantity of a noun. Use specific counters or もっと多くの instead.
Did you know?
- When ordering 'more' of a drink or food in a restaurant, Japanese speakers rarely use もっと and instead use おかわり, which specifically means a refill.
- Japanese distinguishes between もっと for a greater degree and もう for 'one more' of something, such as 'one more hour' or 'one more time'.
- The word もっと is a phonetic match for the English word 'motto', which is a coincidence of sound rather than a linguistic connection.
Examples in context
- もっと欲しい。I want more.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for more using もっと.Tatoeba #7486195 by Ninja, translation #521096 by CK
- もっと見たい？Do you want to see more?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to see more using もっと.Tatoeba #8912639 by bunbuku, translation #1920420 by Spamster
- もっと教えて！Tell me more!This sentence is useful for requesting more information using もっと.Tatoeba #9930387 by small_snow, translation #8666848 by ajje
- さらに大切なことは計画をよく練ることです。Furthermore, an important thing is to plan well.
- もっと食べたい！I want to eat more!
- もっともっと早く会いたいよ！I want to meet you much, much sooner!
- もっと勉強時間を増やしたほうがいいよ。You should increase your study time.
- もっと勉強してみます。I'll try studying more.
- もっと頑張れるよ！You can do more!
- 369 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are eating a meal together.
- 蓮 Renもっと食べてもいい？Motto tabete mo ii?Can I eat more?
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。たくさん食べて。Ii yo. Takusan tabete.Sure. Eat a lot.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。もっと注文しようか。Arigatou. Motto chuumon shiyou ka.Thanks. Shall we order more?
- 結衣 Yuiそれはもうお腹いっぱいだよ。Sore wa mou onaka ippai da yo.I'm already full for that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry もっと, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
