もっとも
もっとも
conjunction
however; though; having said that
1.
however; though; having said that
Introduces a qualification, exception, or minor correction to a previous statement.
賛成だ。もっとも、条件はある。
I agree. However, there are conditions.
彼は優秀な学生だ。もっとも、遅刻が多いのが難点だが。
He's an excellent student. Though, his frequent tardiness is a problem.
この店の料理は美味しい。もっとも、値段は少し高めだから、毎日通うわけにはいかない。
The food at this restaurant is delicious. Having said that, the prices are a bit high, so I can't go every day.
A conjunction used to add a qualification, reservation, or minor counterpoint to something just stated. The speaker first makes a positive or general statement, then uses もっとも to introduce a caveat. Different from 最も (the adverb meaning "most"), which is a separate word.
USAGE:
- Typically begins a new sentence after the main point has been stated
- The qualification introduced by もっとも is usually minor — it does not negate the main point
- Often followed by が or けど at the end of the qualifying clause
- Can be written as 尤も in kanji, but kana is much more common
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- もっとも、～だが: however, ~ though
- もっとも、～けれども: though, ~
- もっとも、それは～: however, that is ~
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ただし: however, provided that — introduces a condition or restriction; more formal and definitive
- しかし: however — general contrast; stronger opposition than もっとも
- とはいえ: that said — similar nuance of adding a qualification; slightly more formal
- ただ: just, only — casual way to add a minor reservation