そもそも（の） (somosomo no)

Meaning & usage

そもそも is an adverb that questions or rejects an idea at its starting point, meaning something like "in the first place." It stands before a clause or phrase, and の may optionally follow it when it modifies a noun. It appears in both casual and formal speech.

Example sentences 8

1. そもそも指名手配しめいてはいされただけでは「犯人はんにん」じゃないです。

   In any case, just being wanted by the police isn't enough to make you "a criminal."

2. そもそも何故私の物だけ液晶に線が入っていたのか。

   In any case why was it only mine that had a line in the LCD?

3. 私は彼に言い聞かせているが、彼はそもそも聞く耳を持たない。

   I've tried reasoning with him but he just won't listen.

4. 彼女に口答えすること自体そもそも間違いだろ。

   It's wrong of you to talk back to her.

5. そもそもここへ来ては行かなかったのです。

   You shouldn't have come here to begin with.

6. そもそも責任者が責任をとらないなら、存在する意味がないではないか。

   Is there an existing meaning if the person in charge does not take the responsibility to begin with?

7. そもそも事故の大半は熱帯雨林ではなく、身近な場所でおこるのである。

   Most accidents, after all, happen around the corner, not in the rainforest.

8. そもそもなぜ鳥は移動するのだろうか。

   Why do birds migrate in the first place?