ならともかく
Meanings
- If it's A, fine, but B is the issue
- Setting aside A, focus on B
- A may be acceptable, but B matters more
About this pattern
Explanation
ならともかく is used to acknowledge that one thing (A) is acceptable or less problematic, while indicating that another thing (B) is more important, problematic, or deserves attention. It often introduces a contrast where the speaker wants to set aside A and discuss or criticize B. This pattern is common in everyday conversation when comparing two aspects of a situation, opinions, or decisions. Note that the A part can be a noun or a clause in plain form; the B part is what the speaker emphasizes or critiques.
Learn in context
Example sentences
The exterior looks impressive. Setting aside how easy it is to use, I'm worried about durability.
My friend is kind. Put aside how they speak, they don’t keep their promises.
This device is cheap. Setting aside how easy it is to operate, the manual is hard to understand.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
View details