adverb, noun
in the first place; to begin with; originally
Used to emphasize the fundamental nature of something, often in questions or when stating a basic premise. Can be used adverbially or as a noun.
そもそも、なぜこの計画を始めたのですか。
In the first place, why did you start this project?
その考え方のそもそもが間違っている。
The very premise of that way of thinking is wrong.
conjunction
Conjunction used when returning to a previously mentioned point or when expressing a fundamental truth, often with a nuance of 'when you think about it'. Also used in emphatic questions like 'what on earth'.
そもそも、彼が来るはずがなかったんだ。
After all, he was never supposed to come.
そもそも、そんなお金がどこにあるというの。
Where on earth would that kind of money be?
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Noun meaning the very beginning or origin of something. Often used in formal or explanatory contexts.
この問題のそもそもを調べる必要がある。
We need to investigate the origin of this problem.