Meaning and Usage
The adverb "専ら" (もっぱら) means "wholly," "solely," or "entirely." It is used to emphasize that an action or state is focused exclusively on one thing without mixing other activities or purposes.
Common Contexts
"専ら" often appears in contexts where someone dedicates their time, effort, or attention to a single pursuit, such as a hobby, work, or a specific group of people. It can describe habitual or ongoing exclusive focus.
Collocations and Patterns
- 専ら～に使う: to use exclusively for something
- 専ら～に専念する: to devote oneself entirely to something
- 専ら～に利用される: to be used mainly by a certain group
These patterns highlight exclusivity and focus.
Register and Nuance
"専ら" is somewhat formal and often found in written or polite spoken Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation, where simpler expressions like "いつも" or "ほとんど" might be used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "専ら" with "主に" (おもに), which also means "mainly." However, "専ら" implies exclusivity or near exclusivity, while "主に" allows for some other activities or purposes alongside the main one.