もちろん

もちろん
adverb
of course; certainly; naturally
1. of course, certainly
Expresses that something is obvious or goes without saying.
もちろん()
Of course I'll go.
手伝(てつだ)ってくれる?」「もちろん!」
"Will you help me?" "Of course!"
Of course I know. I saw it on the news last week.
"Can you attend tomorrow's meeting?" "Of course. What time does it start?"
"Could you help me move this Saturday?" "Of course. I'll come in the morning."
2. naturally, needless to say
Indicates that something is expected as a matter of course.
I can speak English as well as Japanese, naturally.
〜はもちろん pattern
It's a movie that not only children but also adults can enjoy.
〜はもちろん、〜も pattern
Work is naturally important, but you should also take care of your health.
Needless to say she works, and she also does all the housework and childcare by herself.
This university is known for attracting many students not only from within the country but also from overseas.
〜はもちろん、〜からも pattern

もちろん is an adverb meaning 'of course' or 'naturally.'

Position: Usually at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

[Register: Neutral]

Common patterns:

  • 〜はもちろん、〜も: not only ~ but also ~ (naturally ~, and also ~)
  • 日本(にほん)はもちろん、世界中(せかいじゅう)有名(ゆうめい)だ (Famous not only in Japan but worldwide)

Usage notes:

  • Used to express agreement enthusiastically
  • Can also be used rhetorically: もちろん〜だが... (Of course ~ but...)
  • Be careful not to overuse, as it might sound condescending

Orthography: Usually written in hiragana. The kanji 勿論(もちろん) exists but is rarely used.

Similar expressions:

  • もちろん vs. 当然(とうぜん): 当然(とうぜん) is more formal and can have a sense of 'it's only natural that...'