Genki Grammar #8: Mastering Noun mo

Introduction

In our previous post, we learned how to say “XはYです” (X wa Y desu), which means “X is Y.” Now, let’s learn how to say, “Item A is this, and item B is this, too.” The word for “too” in Japanese is the particle “も” (mo).

What It Means

The particle “も” (mo) means “too” or “also” in English. It shows that something mentioned in a previous sentence also applies to another subject.

When You Use It

Use “も” (mo) when you want to say that an additional person or item shares the same characteristic as one previously mentioned.

Examples

1. Using “も” (mo):
   • すずきさんは日本人です。
     (Suzuki-san wa nihon jin desu.)
     Suzuki is a Japanese person.
   • さとうさんも日本人です。
     (Satou-san mo nihon jin desu.)
     Satou is also Japanese.
     
     In these examples, “も” (mo) is used directly after “Satou-san” to show that Satou is Japanese, just like Suzuki.
2. Simple Structure:

Note

• Pay attention to where the particle “も” (mo) is placed. In English, the word “too” can be placed at the end of the sentence. However, in Japanese, you must put “も” (mo) directly after the item that is being compared to the previous one. For example, in “さとうさんも日本人です” (Satou-san mo nihon jin desu), “も” is placed after “Satou-san” to indicate that Satou shares the same characteristic as Suzuki.

• We cannot use “も” (mo) in the following situation. Our friend, Miki, has dual citizenship; Miki is Japanese and also American. To describe the second part, we cannot say, “Miki-san mo amerika jin desu,” because this would mean that Miki, in addition to someone else, is American. We also cannot say, “Miki-san wa amerika jin mo desu.” Instead, Japanese speakers would say, “Miki-san wa Amerika-jin demo arimasu.”

Conclusion

Mastering the particle “も” (mo) will help you express similarities and shared characteristics in Japanese. This small word can make your conversations much clearer and more natural.