尤も
Although, But, However, For all that, Provided that
Structure
Explanation
もっとも, which can also be written with kanji as 尤も, is a conjunction used to add a supplementary detail or exception to a preceding statement (A). It acknowledges that (A) is true, but introduces a condition that needs to be considered. It is often translated as 'although', 'having said that', or 'mind you', depending on the situation. Here are a couple of examples.
- 兄は料理が上手だ。もっとも、作れるのはカレーだけだ。My older brother is good at cooking. Having said that, the only thing he can make is curry.
- 映画を見るのが大好きだ。もっとも、毎日見る時間がある訳ではない。I love watching movies. Of course, that doesn't mean I have time to watch one every day.
Because もっとも introduces a contrasting or limiting piece of information, the (B) phrase that follows it frequently concludes with expressions like が, けど, or けれども.
In using もっとも, the speaker concedes that statement (A) is correct, while also presenting a crucial condition that gives the full picture. As a word on its own, 尤も can mean 'reasonable' or 'natural', similar to 道理に適う ('to stand to reason'). This nuance of acknowledging what is reasonable carries over to its function as a conjunction.
- パソコンはかなり得意です。もっとも、プログラミングはできないけど。I'm quite skilled with computers, although I can't program.
- クラスに辞書を持ってきた。もっとも、使うことはなかったが。I brought a dictionary to class, although I didn't end up using it.
Examples
このカメラは安いですよ。尤も、中古品ですが。
This camera is inexpensive. However, it is second-hand.
料理はできます。尤も、簡単なものだけですが。
I can cook. But, only simple dishes.
ホテルはとてもきれいだった。尤も、駅から遠かったけど。
The hotel was very nice. However, it was far from the station.
毎日ジムに通っている。尤も、全然痩せない。
I go to the gym every day. But I'm not losing any weight at all.
犬を飼いたいんだ。尤も、このアパートはペット禁止なんだけど。
I want to get a dog. However, pets are forbidden in this apartment.
天気予報では晴れだった。尤も、実際には雨が降ってきた。
The weather forecast said it would be sunny. But, it actually started raining.
テストに合格しました。尤も、ギリギリの点数でしたけど。
I passed the test. But, it was with a barely passing score.
あの映画は面白かった。尤も、少し長すぎると感じたけれども。
That movie was interesting. However, I felt it was a bit too long.
新しいアパートは広くて快適だ。尤も、家賃が少々高い。
My new apartment is spacious and comfortable. But, the rent is a little high.
パーティーには参加します。尤も、仕事のせいで少し遅れるかもしれません。
I will attend the party. However, I might be a little late because of work.
この仕事は一見簡単そうに見える。尤も、実際にはかなり時間がかかる。
This task looks easy at first glance. But, it's actually quite time-consuming.
このクラブはだれでも入れます。尤も、月会費が必要ですが。
Anyone can join this club. However, a monthly fee is required.