専(もっぱ)ら

もっぱら
adverb
exclusively, solely
1. exclusively, solely, mainly
Focusing on one thing only, to the exclusion of others.
専(もっぱ)ら家(いえ)にいる。
I'm mostly at home.
最近(さいきん)は専(もっぱ)ら家(いえ)で仕事(しごと)をしている。
Recently, I've been working exclusively from home.
休日(きゅうじつ)は専(もっぱ)ら読書(どくしょ)に時間(じかん)を費(つい)やしている。
On my days off I spend my time mainly on reading.
2. widely, generally (in rumors)
Something that is widely said or believed.
専(もっぱ)らの噂(うわさ)だ。
That's what everyone's saying.
Set expression
来月(らいげつ)辞(や)めるというのが専(もっぱ)らの噂(うわさ)だ。
The word going around is that he's quitting next month.
社長(しゃちょう)が交代(こうたい)するというのが専(もっぱ)らの噂(うわさ)だが、本当(ほんとう)かどうかはわからない。
The prevailing rumor is that the president is being replaced, but no one knows if it's true.

専(もっぱ)ら indicates exclusivity or dedication to one thing, often translated as 'exclusively,' 'solely,' or 'mainly.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

SET EXPRESSION:
専(もっぱ)らの噂(うわさ) means 'what everyone's saying' or 'the word on the street'—a rumor that's widely circulating.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 専(もっぱ)ら: exclusively, mainly (somewhat formal)
  • だけ: only (neutral)
  • ばかり: nothing but (often with negative nuance)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:40 · Revised 2026.6.16 15:42
05500/05725_moppara