JLPT N1 Grammar

〜をもって (wo motte)

〜をもって (wo motte)
“By means of; With; As of; At (the time)”

This expression has two primary functions in N1-level Japanese: indicating the limit/boundary of time or indicating the means/method by which something is accomplished.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary. It is rarely used in casual conversation and is instead a staple of business announcements, formal speeches, and academic writing.
  • Context:
    1. Time/Limit: Used in official announcements to state when a service ends, a meeting adjourns, or a term expires (e.g., "As of today..."). In this context, it is often used as the even more polite 〜をもちまして.
    2. Means/Method: Used to emphasize the specific tool, talent, or method used to achieve a result. It often follows abstract nouns like "sincerity," "talent," or "effort."
  • Nuance: It carries a sense of weight and importance. When used for "means," it suggests that the result was achieved specifically because of that high-level quality. When used for "time," it marks a clear, authoritative cutoff point.

Format

Noun + をもって

  • Time: 本日の営業は、午後7時をもって終了いたします。 Today's business operations will conclude as of 7:00 PM.
  • Means: 彼は並外れた努力をもって、その難関試験を突破した。 He passed that difficult exam with (by means of) extraordinary effort.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Today's business operations will conclude as of 8:00 PM.
  • 、。
    With outstanding leadership, he rebuilt the company that was on the verge of bankruptcy.
  • 、。
    As of the end of this term, it has been arranged that I will step down as director.
  • 、。
    Even with the latest technology, it is difficult to completely cure that illness.
  • 、。
    As of March 31st, we will terminate the provision of this service.
  • 、。
    Given his track record, it is only natural that other companies would try to headhunt him.
  • 、。
    With this recent scandal, his political career is as good as over.
  • 、。
    We hereby notify you of the contract cancellation by means of this document.
  • 、。
    With extraordinary concentration, mastery in a short period of time is possible.
  • 、。
    With the above report, I conclude my presentation.

Similar Grammar

〜を通じて / 〜を通して (tsūjite / tōshite)

“Through; via; throughout (a period)”
エージェントを通して契約を結んだ。 I signed the contract through an agent.

Difference:

  • Usually indicates a medium or a continuous period. 〜をもって is more about the specific tool or a fixed point in time.

〜によって (ni yotte)

“By; because of; through” 話し合いによって解決した。 It was settled by discussion.

Difference:

  • A neutral, common way to express means. 〜をもって is much more formal and emphasizes the "weight" of the method.

〜をもってすれば (motte sureba)

“Given (someone's) talent/power...” 彼の才能をもってすれば、成功は間違いない。 Given his talent, success is certain.

Difference:

  • A specific conditional usage of 〜をもって used to praise someone's high potential.

〜を限りに (o kagiri ni)

“Starting from (the end of); as the last”
今日を限りにタバコをやめる。 I will quit smoking after today (today is the last day).

Difference:

  • Very similar to the "time" usage of 〜をもって, but 〜を限りに often implies a personal resolution or a strong "this is the absolute last time" feeling.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のは、8時（　　　）とさせていただきます。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. の（　　　）、なもでできるだろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. への（　　　）、のをにした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. の（　　　）、のがにされたとは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）、そのをさせるのはだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. のの（　　　）、なをしております。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. （　　　）、あのこそがへのだったとする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. （　　　）しきれないほど、そのはであった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. （　　　）をするのは、のではとは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のが（　　　）、ようやく。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）のを、きっとしてもらえるはずだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. の（　　　）、のをした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. ほどのを（　　　）、そのをすることはできなかった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. （　　　）、をさせていただきます。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、はついにを。
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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