far from, let alone, not only... but

Intermediate

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Emphasizes that reality is the opposite of or exceeds expectation.

[Noun/Verb/Adj plain] + どころか

彼は手伝うどころか、邪魔をした。

Kare wa tetsudau dokoro ka, jama wo shita.

Far from helping, he got in the way.

百円どころか、千円もかかった。

Hyakuen dokoro ka, sen en mo kakatta.

It cost not just 100 yen, but 1000 yen.

Strong expression showing contrast with expectation.

～からといって

just because, even though

～さえ～ば

if only, as long as

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Used when reality is surprisingly different from expectation.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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