Number + も【も】

After a number and its counter, も says the amount is a lot – more than you would expect: "as many as", "as long as". The number phrase goes before the verb as usual, and も follows the counter.

Without も the sentence only states the number. With も the speaker is surprised by it.

も does not replace を or が. Those stay on the noun, and も goes on the number. On the noun, も is the ordinary "too".

一 + counter + も, "not a single"

With 一 and a counter, and a negative verb, も gives "not even one". The verb has to be negative.

• × 一人も来た → 一人も来なかった

Other small numbers work the same way with a negative: "not even".

Usage notes

These go beyond "as many as" and "not even one".

もの before a noun

To put the large number in front of a noun, use もの: じゅっさつ十冊ものほん本. This belongs to writing and the news.

A small amount, with あれば

With あれば or すれば, the number is small rather than large: that much will be enough.