Translation and Meaning of: もっと - moto

The word 「もっと」 (motto) is a Japanese expression that conveys the idea of "more" or "even more." It is used in a variety of contexts to indicate a desire to increase or intensify something. In everyday situations, it is common to hear this expression when someone wants more of something, whether it be food, light, or even in more abstract contexts, like "more effort." The simplicity and versatility of the word make it a useful tool in the Japanese vocabulary.

Etimologically, 「もっと」 is a contraction of the more formal term 「もっとも」 (mottomo), which means "more reasonable" or "more correct." Over time, this longer form was shortened to 「もっと」, becoming a more colloquial and widely used expression. The simplification of language with the popularization of shorter expressions is a common phenomenon in many languages, and Japanese is no exception.

Although "もっと" can be used in isolation, it often appears in sentences as part of a larger structure. For example, people may use "もっと" before a verb to express that they want something to be done to a greater extent, or before an adjective to increase its intensity. Here are some contexts in which "もっと" can be used:

• When asking for more food or drink at a meal.
• In educational contexts, as encouragement to study more.
• During physical activities, to encourage someone to push themselves harder.

In addition to its practical use in everyday life, 「もっと」also frequently appears in music, movies, and other forms of Japanese media, often carrying an emotional weight that adds depth to dialogue or song lyrics. Such use helps convey feelings of desire, aspiration, and sometimes even dissatisfaction or distress. The ability to evoke such emotions simply and effectively is a characteristic that highlights the word in the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• もっと (motto) - more, a little more
• 一層 (issou) - but still, an additional layer
• 更に (sarani) - even more, to a greater extent
• もう少し (mou sukoshi) - a little more
• ますます (masumasu) - increasingly, progressively
• 一段と (ichidan to) - notably more, more than before
• いっそう (issou) - even more, once again