Japanese grammar
What does ～ならいざ知らず mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ならいざ知らず means it might be acceptable if…, but certainly not for….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + ならいざ知らず 普通形 + ならいざ知らず |
| Romaji | naraizashirazu |
| Meaning | it might be acceptable if…, but certainly not for… |
Forming it
| Noun | 子供 + ならいざ知らず |
|---|---|
| Noun (degree) | 五キロ + ならいざ知らず |
How to use it
States that A is still acceptable, but B goes beyond that. The latter clause is usually negative/exasperated.
- 「～ならいざ知らず」 = "if it were A, that would be understandable/acceptable, but B is not". Compares two levels, rejecting the latter.
- The latter clause is usually negative or expresses something hard to accept: 「～なんて無理だ」, 「～はひどい」.
- A is the case that's EASIER to accept; B is the case actually being discussed.
Examples
五キロならいざ知らず、二十キロなんて走れない。
Five kilometers maybe, but twenty? No way.
子供ならいざ知らず、大人がそんなことを言うとは。
A child, perhaps — but for an adult to say that…
Keep in mind
- A must be the lighter/more understandable case compared to B.
- The following clause states an impossibility or complaint.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong二十キロならいざ知らず、五キロは走れない。
Five kilometers would be fine, but I couldn't run twenty.
Correct五キロならいざ知らず、二十キロは走れない。
A must be the level that's EASIER to accept; reversing the order breaks the pattern's comparative logic.
-
Wrong子供ならいざ知らず、大人は立派だ。
A child would be one thing, but an adult like that is admirable.
Correct子供ならいざ知らず、大人がそれではひどい。
The latter clause states something HARD to accept/a criticism, not praise.
Exam tips
- 「ならいざ知らず」 = A would be fine but B is not; A is the lighter case.