をもって
As of, With, Effective from
Structure
以上(1) + をもって
(1) これ
Explanation
When attached to time-related nouns, the grammar structure をもって means 'as of (A)' or 'effective from (A)', and marks a distinct end point. This pattern is composed of the adverbial particle を and もって, which carries the meaning of 'by means of'.
をもって is used after a noun that signifies a specific date, time, or concluding event.
- このバスの路線は３月３１日をもって廃止となります。This bus route will be discontinued as of March 31st.
- 本日をもって、コンテストの応募を締め切ります。As of today, we are closing entries for the contest.
- この大会をもって、現役を引退することを決めました。He has decided to retire from his professional career as of this tournament.
In polite speech and formal announcements, をもって is often replaced by its more formal equivalent, をもちまして.
- 長い間のご利用、ありがとうございました。この図書館は来月末をもちまして閉館いたします。Thank you for your long-time patronage. This library will permanently close as of the end of next month.
In some cases, the small っ (known as a 促音) is omitted, creating the form をもて.
- 祖父は今年の末をもて、店をたたむことになった。As of the end of this year, my grandfather will be closing his shop for good.
Caution
While 'effective from' might imply a beginning in English, をもって is almost always used to mark the conclusion of something. It denotes the end point of an activity or state. Therefore, it is unnatural to use it for an event that is just starting on a certain date.
- 来年１月１日をもって、新しい地下鉄の運行が始まります。The new subway line will begin operations on January 1st of next year. (Unnatural Japanese)
Fun Fact
The word もって originates from the kanji 以て, meaning 'by means of'. This itself is linked to the verb 持つ, 'to hold' or 'to possess'. A helpful way to remember the grammar's function is to think of it as 'by reaching (A)' or 'at the point of (A)', marking a definitive transition.
Examples
学校のアナウンス：「本日の授業はこれをもちまして全て終了です。」
School announcement: 'With this, all classes for today are now finished.'
当店のウェブサイトは来月末をもちましてサービスを停止いたします。
Our shop's website will cease operations as of the end of next month.
卒業式の司会者：「以上をもちまして、卒業証書授与式を閉会いたします。」
Graduation ceremony host: 'With that, we will now bring the diploma ceremony to a close.'
求人広告：「採用エントリーは９月３０日を以て受付を終了します。」
Job advertisement: 'Job applications will no longer be accepted after September 30th.'
田中部長は今年度末をもって退職されることが決まった。
It has been decided that Manager Tanaka will retire at the end of this fiscal year.
残念なお知らせ：このバス路線は、本日の最終便をもちまして廃止となります。
Unfortunate news: This bus route will be discontinued following its last run today.
弊社は来年１月１日をもちまして、新しい社名に変更いたします。
Our company will change to its new name effective January 1st of next year.
バンドの解散発表：「本日のライブをもちまして、私たちは解散します。」
Band's breakup announcement: 'After today's concert, we will be disbanding.'
審判：「ただいまのプレーをもちまして、試合終了です！」
Referee: 'With that last play, the game is over!'
誠に申し訳ございませんが、こちらの電話窓口は午後６時を以て営業を終了させていただきます。
We sincerely apologize, but this phone support line will close for the day at 6:00 PM.
この歴史ある建物は、先月の取り壊しをもってその役目を終えた。
This historic building fulfilled its purpose with its demolition last month.
コンテストの結果発表：「それでは、これをもちまして結果発表を終わります。」
Contest results announcement: 'And with that, we will conclude the announcement of the results.'