Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "More" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "more", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もっと
もっと (motto)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
人一倍
ひといちばい (hitoichibai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "more" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もっと and 人一倍.
In Japanese, もっと (もっと (motto)) is typically associated with "more, longer, further" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An adverb used to indicate an increase in quantity, degree, or extent. It can precede verbs or adjectives..
On the other hand, 人一倍 (ひといちばい (hitoichibai)) maps to "more than others; unusually; extraordinarily; exceptionally" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes that someone or something possesses a quality or performs an action to a greater degree than the average person.. A literal translation of "more" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もっと"
もっと野菜を食べなさい。
Eat more vegetables.
Bilingual Context for "人一倍"
彼女は人一倍努力家で、いつも目標達成のために頑張っている。
She is an exceptionally hard worker, always striving to achieve her goals.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 野菜を食べなさい。" (Meaning: "Eat more vegetables.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もっと" fits here because it means "more, longer, further" in the context of: "Eat more vegetables.". "人一倍" represents "more than others; unusually; extraordinarily; exceptionally".