を以て
By means of, With, By, Via, In view of
Structure
Explanation
をもって is a formal expression derived from its kanji form, 以て, which means 'by means of'. It functions in a similar capacity to the particle で, often translating to 'with (A)', 'by (A)', 'via (A)', or 'through (A)'.
This grammar pattern will always come directly after a noun or a noun phrase.
- 合格者の発表は、書面をもってお知らせします。Successful applicants will be notified via a written document.
- 最終的な決定は、投票をもって行います。The final decision will be made by means of a vote.
- 多くの失敗を経験し、努力の大切さを身をもって知りました。I learned the importance of hard work firsthand through experiencing many failures.
Although its meaning is close to で, をもって is typically not used for everyday, simple methods, like 'going by bus'. For this reason, 'by means of' often captures the nuance best, as it highlights that the method is significant or being formally stated. Furthermore, it is rarely used with physical tools like a pen or a knife. Instead, it is more commonly paired with abstract ideas, such as 'with all one's strength' or 'with one's full support'.
Fun Fact
The phrase をもってすれば is a common set expression. It can be translated as 'with (A)' or 'if we use (A)', carrying the sense that with a certain tool or ability, something becomes possible.
- 彼の実力をもってすれば、この試合に勝つのは簡単だろう。With his skill level, winning this match should be easy.
- この会社の資金力をもってすれば、どんな大きなプロジェクトでも成功させられる。With this company's financial power, they can make any large-scale project a success.
Examples
これを以って、本日の会議を終了といたします。
With this, we will now conclude today's meeting.
審判は協議の結果を以て、最終判断を下します。
The referee will make a final decision based on the results of the consultation.
その将軍は武力を以て天下統一を成し遂げた。
That shogun achieved the unification of the country through military force.
当社は経験よりもむしろ人柄を以て採用を決定しています。
Our company makes its hiring decisions based on personality rather than experience.
本日午後5時を以て、応募の受付を締め切らせていただきます。
We will be closing the application window as of 5 PM today.
皆様の温かいご支援に対し、心を以って感謝を申し上げます。
I would like to thank you with all my heart for your warm support.
彼は血の滲むような努力を以て、ついに司法試験に合格した。
Through sheer, painstaking effort, he finally passed the bar exam.
彼女は言葉ではなく行動を以て愛を示した。
She showed her love through her actions, not her words.
いかなる最新技術を以てしても、その難病の治療は不可能だった。
Even with the latest technology, it was impossible to treat that intractable disease.
裁判官は提出されたすべての証拠を以て彼を有罪と判断した。
The judge found him guilty based on all the evidence that was submitted.
書面でのご挨拶を以て、転居のご連絡とさせていただきます。
Please allow this letter to serve as our official notice of relocation.
私は不屈の精神を以って、この困難に立ち向かうつもりだ。
I intend to face this difficulty with an indomitable spirit.