は元より
Not only... but also, Let alone, Of course,
Structure
Verb + こと(1) + はもとより + Phrase
(1) の
Explanation
は元より, which is frequently written only in hiragana, is a grammar point used to express 'not only (A), but also (B)', or in some cases, 'let alone (A)'. It is formed from the particle は, the noun 元 (origin/basis), and the particle より (from/than). This structure emphasizes that (B) is also true, building upon the foundational fact of (A). Typically, (A) is something that is already expected or widely known in the given situation.
はもとより can be used after nouns, as well as verb phrases that have been turned into noun phrases using の or こと.
- このラーメン屋は日本人はもとより、海外からの観光客にも人気があります。This ramen shop is popular not only with Japanese people, but also with tourists from overseas.
- 私の新しいスマホは、きれいな写真はもとより、高画質なビデオも撮れる。My new smartphone can not only take beautiful pictures, but it can also shoot high-quality video.
- 運動することは健康に良いことはもとより、ストレス解消にも効果があると言われている。It's said that exercising is not only good for your health, but is also effective for relieving stress.
In a different usage, はもとより can highlight that (A) was true from the very beginning or is a matter of course. While related to the first meaning, this sense is closer to 'from the start' or 'naturally'. The intended meaning is generally easy to determine from the context of the sentence.
- この試合に勝つことはもとより、無理だと分かっていた。I knew from the beginning that winning this match would be impossible.
- 企業にとって利益はもとより、顧客の満足度も重要だ。For a company, not only is profit important, but customer satisfaction is also crucial.
- 彼は私のミスに怒るのはもとより、気づいてもいないようだった。Let alone getting angry about my mistake, he didn't even seem to notice it.
Examples
このレストランは、味は元より、雰囲気も最高だ。
This restaurant has not only great flavor, but also a fantastic atmosphere.
運動は体の健康は元より、心の健康にも良い影響を与える。
Exercise has a positive impact not only on physical health, but also on mental well-being.
この新型の掃除機は、吸引力は元より、その静かさにも驚かされる。
This new model of vacuum cleaner is amazing not only for its suction power, but also for how quiet it is.
山田さんはピアノが上手なことは元より、作曲の才能まである。
Mr. Yamada is not only good at playing the piano, but he even has a talent for composing music.
京都は国内の観光客は元より、海外からも多くの人が訪れる。
Kyoto is visited not only by domestic tourists, but also by many people from overseas.
この問題を解決するには、お金は元より時間もかなりかかるだろう。
To solve this problem, it will likely take not only money, but also a significant amount of time.
新しい言語を学ぶには、単語を覚えるのは元より、その文化への理解が不可欠だ。
When learning a new language, not only is memorizing vocabulary important, but an understanding of the culture is also essential.
災害に備えて、食料は元より水の確保も重要だ。
To prepare for a disaster, it's important to secure not only food, but also water.
その作家の小説は、物語の面白さは元より、言葉の美しさでも評価されている。
That author's novels are praised not only for their interesting stories, but also for the beauty of their language.
禁煙は本人は元より、周りの人のためにもなる。
Quitting smoking benefits not only the person themselves, but also the people around them.
開店の挨拶：「当店では、地元のお客様は元より、遠方からお越しの方にもご満足いただけるサービスを目指しております。」
An opening greeting: 'At our shop, we aim to provide service that will satisfy not only our local customers, but also those who have come from afar.'
環境保護のためには、ゴミを減らすことは元より、再生可能エネルギーを利用することも大切だ。
For environmental protection, it is important not only to reduce waste, but also to utilize renewable energy.