〜を以て

With/by Means of

Level 6Sounds Like womote

〜を以て（を もって） is a high-level formal expression used in business, legal, or ceremonial contexts. It functions similarly to the particle で but carries much more gravity and formality. It is used to indicate the means by which something is done, a reason or cause, or to mark a definitive point in time.

How It Works

〜を以て（を もって） is a formal particle derived from classical Japanese. While it is rarely heard in casual conversation, it is essential for understanding official announcements, news reports, and professional correspondence.

1. Means and Method
When used to show a method, it attaches to nouns representing formal communication (documents, words) or abstract qualities (sincerity, effort). It is not used for everyday tools like pens or transportation (use で instead).
Example: 書面を以て（しょめんをもって）- By means of a written document.

2. Time and Deadlines
This marks the exact moment an event concludes, a change occurs, or a new period begins. In spoken formal announcements (like at a store or ceremony), the polite variant 〜をもちまして is the standard form.
Example: 本日を以て（ほんじつをもって）- As of today / Ending today.

3. Reason or Cause
In legal or highly formal writing, it can indicate the reason or basis for an action.
Example: 過失の故を以て（かしつのゆえをもって）- Due to the reason of negligence.

4. Variation: 〜を以てして
This variation is rarely used alone. It almost exclusively appears in structures like 〜を以てしても (even with/by means of) or 〜を以てすれば (if one uses/by means of).
Example: 彼を以てしても（かれをもってしても）- Even with his [great] abilities (it was impossible).

Examples (4)

  1. 結果は後日、書面を以て通知いたします。

    The results will be notified by means of a written document at a later date.

    Word by Word: Results (topic) later date, written document (by means of) notice will do.

    This is a standard business phrase. Using で would be grammatically correct but too casual for a formal notification.

  2. 誠実さを以て交渉に臨むことが大切です。

    It is important to approach negotiations with sincerity.

    Word by Word: Sincerity (with) negotiations to approach (thing) is important.

    Here, an abstract quality (sincerity) is the 'means' used to conduct the action.

  3. 当店は、今月末を以て閉店させていただきます。

    This store will be closing as of the end of this month.

    Word by Word: This store (topic), this month end (as of) closing receive.

    This demonstrates the temporal use, marking the definitive point in time when the store ceases operations.

  4. 最新の技術を以てしても、その問題を解決するのは難しい。

    Even with the latest technology, solving that problem is difficult.

    Word by Word: Latest technology (even with), that problem solving (topic) is difficult.

    The addition of 'shite mo' emphasizes that despite the high level of the means (latest technology), the result is still hard to achieve.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it for mundane, everyday tools or methods.

    箸を以てご飯を食べます。
    箸でご飯を食べます。

    〜を以て is reserved for significant or formal means. Using it for eating with chopsticks sounds unnaturally dramatic or 'mock-heroic'.

  • Confusing it with the physical action of 'holding' (motsu).

    カバンを以て外に出た。
    カバンを持って外に出た。

    While they sound the same, the grammar pattern 〜を以て (means/time) is different from the verb 持って (holding/carrying). Use the verb form for physical objects.

How It Connects

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〜を以てLevel 6With/by Means of

Learn This First

〜を以て (wo motte) is a highly formal and literary version of the particle 'で'. It is used to indicate a means, method, or a specific point in time when something ends. To understand it, learners should already be familiar with the basic object marker 'を' and the standard instrumental particle 'で', as well as have a basic grasp of kanji to recognize the character '以'.

Words in This Pattern

を以て以て