What Does “Motto” Mean in Japanese?

Have you ever heard the word “motto” while watching anime, reading manga, or listening to a Japanese conversation and wondered what it means? If so, you’re not alone! This simple yet versatile word pops up frequently in Japanese, and understanding it can unlock a deeper appreciation of the language. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and usage of “motto” in Japanese, tailored specifically for English speakers who know little to no Japanese. We’ll break it down with clear explanations, provide plenty of examples, and even dive into its cultural significance—all in a way that’s easy to follow. By the end, you’ll not only know what “motto” means but also feel confident using it yourself. Let’s get started!

At its core, “motto” (もっと) is an adverb in Japanese that means “more” or “further.” It’s used to express a greater degree, amount, or extent of something. Whether you’re talking about wanting more food, asking someone to speak more slowly, or encouraging extra effort, “motto” is the go-to word. In the sections below, we’ll cover its meaning in detail, show how it works with different parts of speech, compare it to similar words, and highlight its role in Japanese culture. This guide is designed to be comprehensive and beginner-friendly, so let’s dive in!

What Does “Motto” Mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, “motto” is an adverb—a word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to give more information about an action or quality. Specifically, “motto” indicates “more” or “further,” making it a key tool for expressing comparisons, desires, or increases in degree. For English speakers, think of it as a way to say “more” in sentences like “I want more” or “faster” in “Run faster.”

For example:

• “Motto tabetai” (もっと食べたい) translates to “I want to eat more.” Here, “motto” adds the idea of “more” to the verb “tabetai” (want to eat).
• “Motto hayaku” (もっと速く) means “faster,” modifying the adverb “hayaku” (quickly) to indicate a greater speed.

One of the most useful aspects of “motto” is how it helps form comparisons in Japanese. Unlike English, where adjectives change form (e.g., “cute” becomes “cuter”), Japanese relies on words like “motto” to show a higher degree. For instance:

• “Motto kawaii” (もっと可愛い) means “cuter,” comparing something to a baseline of “kawaii” (cute).

“Motto” can also emphasize “even more” or “still more.” For example:

• “Motto benkyou shinakereba naranai” (もっと勉強しなければならない) means “I have to study even more,” suggesting the current effort isn’t enough.

Because it’s so flexible, “motto” is a word you’ll hear often in Japanese conversations, making it essential for beginners to understand.

How to Use “Motto” with Verbs, Adjectives, and Adverbs

“Motto” is incredibly versatile because it can pair with different types of words—verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Let’s break down how it works with each, keeping it simple for English speakers new to Japanese.

With Verbs

When “motto” is used with a verb, it expresses a desire or need for more of that action. It’s placed right before the verb in a sentence. Here are some examples:

• “Motto benkyou shitai” (もっと勉強したい) – “I want to study more.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh ben-kyoh shee-tai)
  “Benkyou shitai” means “I want to study,” and “motto” adds “more.”
• “Motto asobou” (もっと遊ぼう) – “Let’s play more.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh ah-soh-boh)
  “Asobou” is “Let’s play,” and “motto” suggests doing it more.

With Adjectives

With adjectives, “motto” creates a comparative form, like adding “-er” in English. It goes before the adjective to show a higher degree:

• “Kono neko wa motto kawaii” (この猫はもっと可愛い) – “This cat is cuter.”
  (Pronounced: koh-noh neh-koh wah moh-toh kah-wah-ee)
  “Kawaii” means “cute,” and “motto” makes it “cuter.”
• “Ashita wa motto samui deshou” (明日はもっと寒いでしょう) – “Tomorrow will be colder.”
  (Pronounced: ah-shee-tah wah moh-toh sah-moo-ee deh-shoh)
  “Samui” is “cold,” and “motto” turns it into “colder.”

With Adverbs

When paired with another adverb, “motto” intensifies its meaning, often translating to “more” or “-er”:

• “Motto hayaku hashitte” (もっと速く走って) – “Run faster.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh hah-yah-koo hah-sheet-teh)
  “Hayaku” means “quickly,” and “motto” makes it “faster.”
• “Motto yukkuri hanashite” (もっとゆっくり話して) – “Speak more slowly.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh yook-koo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh)
  “Yukkuri” is “slowly,” and “motto” adds “more.”

These examples show how “motto” adapts to different situations, making it a handy word to learn early on.

Examples of “Motto” in Sentences

Let’s look at some practical examples to see “motto” in action. I’ve included pronunciations and explanations to make them easy to follow for beginners.

• Expressing a Desire:
  • “Motto tabetai” (もっと食べたい) – “I want to eat more.”
    (Pronounced: moh-toh tah-beh-tai)
    Imagine you’re at a delicious Japanese meal—ramen, sushi, or tempura—and you want seconds. “Motto” shows your craving for more.
• Making a Comparison:
  • “Kono keki wa motto oishii” (このケーキはもっと美味しい) – “This cake is tastier.”
    (Pronounced: koh-noh keh-kee wah moh-toh oy-shee)
    “Oishii” means “tasty,” and “motto” compares this cake to another.
• Giving Instructions:
  • “Motto ookiku kaite” (もっと大きく書いて) – “Write bigger.”
    (Pronounced: moh-toh oh-kee-koo kah-ee-teh)
    “Ookiku” is “big” (as an adverb), and “motto” means “bigger.”
• Polite Requests:
  • “Motto yukkuri hanashite kudasai” (もっとゆっくり話してください) – “Please speak more slowly.”
    (Pronounced: moh-toh yook-koo-ree hah-nah-shee-teh koo-dah-sai)
    Perfect for asking a Japanese speaker to slow down if you’re still learning!
• Emphasizing More:
  • “Motto takusan arimasu” (もっとたくさんあります) – “There’s a lot more.”
    (Pronounced: moh-toh tah-koo-sahn ah-ree-mahs)
    “Takusan” means “a lot,” and “motto” emphasizes an even greater amount.

These sentences show how “motto” fits into everyday situations, from casual chats to polite requests.

Comparing “Motto” with Similar Words

You might wonder if there are other Japanese words like “motto.” There are! Let’s compare it to two similar words: “mou” and “sarani.”

“Motto” vs. “Mou”

“Mou” (もう) can sometimes mean “more,” but it usually means “already” or “yet.” For example:

• “Mou tabeta” (もう食べた) – “I already ate.”
  (Pronounced: moh tah-beh-tah)
  Compare this to “motto tabetai” (I want to eat more). “Mou” is about timing, not quantity.

However, with numbers, “mou” can mean “another”:

• “Mou hitotsu” (もう一つ) – “One more” or “another one.”
  (Pronounced: moh hee-toh-tsoo)
  Here, it’s about adding one extra item, not increasing a degree like “motto.”

“Motto” vs. “Sarani”

“Sarani” (さらに) means “further” or “additionally” and often feels a bit more formal:

• “Sarani takaku” (さらに高く) – “Even higher.”
  (Pronounced: sah-rah-nee tah-kah-koo)
  “Sarani” suggests going beyond what’s already been done, while “motto” is simpler and broader, focusing on “more.”

So, use “motto” for general increases, “mou” for time or extra items, and “sarani” for a sense of progression.

“Motto” in Japanese Culture and Media

“Motto” isn’t just a grammar tool—it’s part of Japanese culture! You’ll spot it in sayings, anime, and even real-life encouragement.

Everyday Encouragement

The phrase “motto motto” (もっともっと) is a fun way to say “more, more!” It’s like cheering someone on:

• “Motto motto ganbatte!” (もっともっと頑張って) – “Try harder and harder!”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh moh-toh gahn-bat-teh)
  You might hear this at a sports event or from a supportive friend.

Anime and Manga

In popular anime, “motto” often shows up when characters express big goals:

• “Motto tsuyoku naritai” (もっと強くなりたい) – “I want to become stronger.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh tsoo-yoh-koo nah-ree-tai)
  Think of Naruto or other heroes pushing their limits!

Cultural Values

“Motto” reflects Japan’s emphasis on improvement and effort. It’s common in mottos (slogans) for schools or companies, encouraging people to aim higher or do more.

Extra Ways to Use “Motto”

Let’s explore a few more ways “motto” fits into Japanese.

With Nouns

Though rare, “motto” can work with nouns:

• “Motto jikan ga hoshii” (もっと時間が欲しい) – “I want more time.”
  (Pronounced: moh-toh jee-kahn gah hoh-shee)
  “Jikan” is “time,” and “motto” adds “more.”

Common Phrases

Here are some handy expressions:

• “Motto takai” (もっと高い) – “Higher” or “more expensive.”
• “Motto ookii” (もっと大きい) – “Bigger.”
• “Motto chikaku” (もっと近く) – “Closer.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beginners sometimes trip up with “motto.” Here’s what to watch for:

Mixing Up “Motto” and “Mou”

• Wrong: “Mou tabetai” (meant to be “I want to eat more”).
  This says “I already want to eat,” which is odd.
• Right: “Motto tabetai.”

Negative Sentences

• Wrong: “Motto tabenai” (trying to say “I won’t eat more”).
  Japanese uses “mou” here: “Mou tabenai” (I won’t eat any more).
• “Motto” doesn’t work for “no more.”

Practice these differences to sound natural!

Practice with “Motto”

Try translating these into Japanese using “motto”:

• I want to sleep more.
• This dog is bigger.
• Run faster, please.
• I need more water.
• Speak louder.

Check your answers with a friend or online tool to see how you did!

Conclusion

So, what does “motto” mean in Japanese? It’s an adverb meaning “more” or “further,” used to increase the degree or amount of verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. From “motto benkyou shitai” (I want to study more) to “motto kawaii” (cuter), it’s a word you’ll hear everywhere. We’ve compared it to “mou” and “sarani,” seen it in anime and culture, and practiced using it.

As you learn Japanese, try adding “motto” to your conversations. It’s a small word with a big impact, perfect for expressing what you want more of in life. Thanks for reading—we hope this guide has made “motto” crystal clear!