もっと

• Reading: もっと
• Romaji: motto
• Pronunciation: /mot.to/

Meaning

More; even more; further; longer. Used to express a greater degree.

Placed before adjectives, adverbs, or verbs to indicate a comparative increase. Unlike English, Japanese does not have comparative adjective forms — もっと is the primary way to express 'more.' Often paired with requests or desires.

Examples

1. もっとゆっくり話してください。 Please speak more slowly.
2. もっと早く起きたかった。 I wanted to wake up earlier.
3. この本をもっと読みたいです。 I want to read this book more.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, requests, desires

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the classical Japanese もと (origin/base) with the intensifying っと suffix. Originally conveyed a sense of returning to a greater baseline.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal