Usage of もっと
The adverb もっと means "more" or "further" and is used to indicate an increase in degree, quantity, or intensity. It is very common in everyday conversation and can modify verbs, adjectives, and nouns when combined with particles.
Common contexts
- Expressing a need for greater amount or degree: もっと勉強する (study more), もっと時間が欲しい (want more time).
- Asking for an increase in speed, volume, or intensity: もっと速く (faster), もっと大きく (louder).
Collocations and patterns
- もっと + verb (e.g., もっと食べる): to do something more.
- もっと + adjective (e.g., もっと美味しい): to be more [adjective].
- もっと + noun + が + verb (e.g., もっと水が欲しい): to want more of something.
Register and nuance
もっと is neutral and polite enough for daily use. It is not formal but widely acceptable in both casual and polite speech.
Common learner mistake
Sometimes learners confuse もっと with もう (already, anymore). Remember, もっと always means "more" and implies an increase, while もう indicates completion or change of state.