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.
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.
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。
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

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

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 専(もっぱ)ら〜している: to be doing exclusively ~
  • 専(もっぱ)ら〜に時間(じかん)を使(つか)う: to spend time mainly on ~

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 2026.1.27 8:03
05500/05725_moppara