もしも

• Reading: もしも
• Romaji: moshimo
• Pronunciation: /mo.ɕi.mo/

Meaning

If; supposing. A stronger, more emphatic form of もし used in hypothetical statements.

An adverb that strengthens the conditional nuance of もし. Typically followed by a conditional form such as ～たら, ～なら, or ～ば. もしも carries a more dramatic or serious tone than plain もし, often used when imagining unlikely or significant hypothetical scenarios. Common in titles, songs, and philosophical questions.

Examples

1. もしも宝くじが当たったらどうする。 If you won the lottery, what would you do?
2. もしも時間が戻せるなら、やり直したい。 If I could turn back time, I'd want a do-over.
3. もしも世界から音楽がなくなったら寂しい。 If music disappeared from the world, that would be so sad.

Usage Guide

Context: hypothetical, imagination, conversation

Tone: reflective

Origin & History

Emphatic doubling of もし (if). The particle も (also/even) intensifies the hypothetical sense, making it 'even if' or 'suppose that.' This doubling pattern is common in Japanese for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal