Guide – Particle 「も」

The も particle in Japanese is used to add another element to a statement, indicating that the element is also included in the statement. Here are several examples of how the も particle is used in Japanese:

Indicating Inclusion:

The most common use of the も particle is to indicate inclusion. In this usage, the word before the も particle is the focus of the statement, and the も particle is used to indicate that something else is also included in the statement. Here are some examples:

私も行きます (watashi mo ikimasu)
I will also go

彼も同意しました (kare mo doui shimashita)
He also agreed

猫も好きです (neko mo suki desu)
I also like cats

今日も忙しいです (kyou mo isogashii desu)
Today is also busy

Comparing Similarities:

The も particle can also be used to compare similarities between two things. In this usage, the も particle is used twice, with the first も particle indicating the subject of the comparison and the second も particle indicating the similarity. Here are some examples:

タイも日本も好きです (Tai mo Nihon mo suki desu)
I like both Thailand and Japan

彼女も私も大学生です (kanojo mo watashi mo daigakusei desu)
She and I are both university students

日本語も英語も話せます (Nihongo mo Eigo mo hanasemasu)
I can speak both Japanese and English

猫も犬もペットです (neko mo inu mo petto desu)
Both cats and dogs are pets

Adding Emphasis:

The も particle can also be used to add emphasis to a statement. In this usage, the も particle is used after a negative statement to emphasize that even something unexpected is included in the statement. Here are some examples:

昨日は誰も来なかった。でも、今日は犬も来た (kinou wa daremo konakatta. Demo, kyou wa inu mo kita)
Yesterday, no one came. But today, even a dog came.

納豆は嫌い。でも、寿司の中に納豆も入っている (nattou wa kirai. Demo, sushi no naka ni nattou mo haitteiru)
I hate natto. But even in sushi, natto is included.

甘いものは食べたくない。でも、時々アイスクリームも食べます (amai mono wa tabetakunai. Demo, tokidoki aisukuriimu mo tabemasu)
I don’t want to eat sweet things. But sometimes I also eat ice cream.

In conclusion, the も particle in Japanese is an essential part of the language that is used to indicate inclusion, compare similarities, and add emphasis. Understanding the usage of the も particle is essential for effective communication in Japanese.

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