if it were...that would be understandable, but

Advanced

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Presents a hypothetical acceptable case, contrasting with unacceptable reality.

[Noun/Verb] + ならまだしも

子供ならまだしも、大人がそんなことをするのは恥ずかしい。

Kodomo nara madashimo, otona ga sonna koto wo suru no wa hazukashii.

If it were a child that would be understandable, but it's embarrassing for an adult to do that.

1回ならまだしも、何度も失敗するのは問題だ。

Ikkai nara madashimo, nando mo shippai suru no wa mondai da.

Once would be one thing, but failing many times is a problem.

Similar to ならいざしらず but less formal.

～ともあろう

of all people, despite being

～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)

Use for contrasting acceptable vs unacceptable.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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