N474/179

Number + も

Number + も

Meanings

  • Emphasis
  • As ~ as
  • Not even

About this pattern

Explanation

Number + も is used to emphasize something by implying it would be surprising or extreme to experience, have, or do that amount or quantity. It often appears with negative verbs or adjectives to express 'not even this much' or with verbs/adjectives to stress how long, frequent, or extents something is. Common patterns include using a time or quantity before も (e.g., 一日も, 二時間も, 三回も) to underline that the speaker is highlighting the unexpected or surprising extent. Note that in many cases the nuance is stronger when paired with a negation (e.g., 一日も眠れない) or a strong verb/adjective.

Learn in context

Example sentences

一日も眠れなかった。

I couldn't sleep for even a day.

二時間も待った。

I waited for as long as two hours.

三回も失敗した。

I failed three times.

一円も持っていない。

I don’t have even one yen.