JLPT N1 Grammar

〜もって (motte)

〜もって (motte)
“With (intensity); through (personal action); by (way of)”

This expression is used to emphasize the way something is done, often highlighting a strong emotion, a specific attitude, or a firsthand experience.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary.
  • Context: Used in formal speeches, literature, or high-level business praise (e.g., "He leads with extraordinary passion").
  • Nuance: It is most famous in the set phrase 「身をもって」(mi o motte), meaning to do something yourself rather than just talking about it. When used with abstract nouns like "sincerity" or "enthusiasm," it adds a layer of "utilizing that quality to the fullest."

Format

  • Noun + もって
    • Experience: 彼は身もって、商売の厳しさを知った。He learned the harshness of business through his own firsthand experience.
    • Spirit/Attitude: なみなみならぬ熱意もって、開発に取り組む。We are tackling the development with extraordinary enthusiasm.
    • Manner: 誠意もって、お客様に対応する。We handle customers with (the utmost) sincerity.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Hardships experienced firsthand are an irreplaceable asset.
  • 、。
    If you handle the situation with sincerity, the path to a resolution will open.
  • 、。
    I am deeply grateful, to an extent that cannot be expressed with words.
  • 、。
    With a firm will, they brought the difficult negotiations to a successful conclusion.
  • 。
    He is immersing himself in research with extraordinary enthusiasm.
  • 。
    It is his style to persuade the other party with logic.
  • 、。
    The lessons shown to me through firsthand experience are things I will never forget in my lifetime.
  • 。
    Listen to the opinions of others with a humble attitude.
  • 、。
    Protect the tradition to the end with excellent skill.
  • 、。
    They have overcome many trials with an unyielding spirit.

Similar Grammar

〜をもって (wo motte)

“As of; by means of”
３月をもって終了する。Ends as of March.

Difference:

  • This is the more formal, official version for deadlines and tools.
  • 〜もって is more for the "manner" or "spirit."

〜でもって (de motte)

“With; by means of”
実力でもって示す。 Show it with your actual ability.

Difference:

  • More colloquial and used in spoken Japanese.
  • In a professional email, you would stick to 〜をもって or 〜もって.

〜自ら (mizukara)

“Oneself”
自ら調査を行う。 Conduct the investigation oneself.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the "subject" doing the action.
  • 身もって focuses on the "experience" gained by the subject.

〜をもってすれば (wo motte sureba)

“If one uses...”
彼の才能をもってすれば可能だ。 If we use his talent, it's possible.

Difference:

  • A hypothetical structure used to praise someone's potential or a specific resource.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. は、（　　　）をことで、のをべきだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のは、（　　　）とさせていただきます。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）、ながだ。
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B.
C.
D.

Q4. はのに対し、（　　　）することをします。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）すれば、このなをできる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. ののは、という（　　　）。
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B.
C.
D.

Q7. のを、の（　　　）。
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B.
C.
D.

Q8. なが（　　　）、は。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. と言うが、のを（　　　）ことがだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. の（　　　）、彼はをしまった。
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B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）しほど、した。
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B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、はからされる。
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B.
C.
D.

Q13. なる（　　　）すれば、ですることも可能だ。
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B.
C.
D.

Q14. （　　　）、このに。
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B.
C.
D.

Q15. がである、とすることは（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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