そもそも

in the first place

#14,540

Meanings

  1. adverb, noun, usually in kana in the first place; to begin with; from the start; originally; ab initio
  2. conjunction, usually in kana, used when bringing up something already mentioned after all; anyway; actually; well, ...; ... on earth (e.g. "what on earth?"); ... in the world (e.g. "why in the world?")
  3. noun, takes の, usually in kana beginning; start

In sentences

そもそも話はなしたの？ Did you speak at all? #1172446

そもそも読よんだんですか？ Did you read it at all? #9843805

そもそも君きみが来きたとは驚おどろいた。 I'm surprised you came at all. #205985

そもそも開発かいはつする人ひとがいない。 There is no one to develop them in the first place. #10995333

そもそも、どこでトムを見みたの？ Where exactly did you see Tom? #10919690

そもそも、どこでトムと会あったの？ Where exactly did you meet Tom? #10919687