if it were...that would be one thing, but

Advanced

30-35 min

rare

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Presents a hypothetical exception while contrasting with actual situation.

[Noun] + ならいざしらず

子供ならいざしらず、大人がそんなことをするな。

Kodomo nara izashirazu, otona ga sonna koto wo suru na.

If it were a child that would be one thing, but an adult shouldn't do that.

昔ならいざしらず、今はそんな方法は通用しない。

Mukashi nara izashirazu, ima wa sonna houhou wa tsuuyou shinai.

If it were the past that might be okay, but that method doesn't work now.

Very formal and literary.

～と相まって

together with, combined with

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

Used for strong contrasts.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.