もさることながら
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
It goes without saying
Not only but also
More importantly
Even more than that
Besides that
Usage
Noun/Clause + はもさることながら
Xはもさることながら、Yも〜
Explanation
The phrase もさることながら is used to say that not only is something true, but there is something else even more noteworthy or important. It emphasizes that the second point stands out even more than the first. It often follows a topic or a situation already mentioned and introduces a stronger or more striking aspect that deserves attention. In English, it can be rendered as “not only …, but also …,” or “more importantly ….” It’s commonly used in formal or written contexts and in careful, nuanced comparisons.
日本の治安はもさることながら、マナーも徹底している。
にほんのちあんはもさることながら、マナーもてっていしている。
Not only is Japan's security good, but manners are also strictly observed.
この店は味はもさることながら、接客にも定評がある。
このみせはあじはもさることながら、せっきゃくにもていひょうがある。
Not only is the taste good, but the service is highly praised as well.
経済状況はもさることながら、教育制度の充実度も重要だ。
けいざいじょうきょうはもさることながら、きょういくせいどのじゅうじつどもじゅうようだ。
Not only is the economic situation a concern, but the quality of the education system is also important.
彼の実力はもちろんだが、努力はもさることながら、運も大きい。
かれのじつりょくはもちろんだが、どりょくはもさることながら、うんもおおきい。
His ability is certainly strong, but his effort, and even more so, luck, play a big part.