Japanese grammar
What does ～はさておき mean? Japanese grammar N1
～はさておき means setting aside…; leaving… aside for now.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + はさておき |
| Romaji | hasateoki |
| Meaning | setting aside…; leaving… aside for now |
Forming it
| Noun (detail) | 細かい点 + はさておき |
|---|---|
| Noun (topic set aside) | 冗談 + はさておき |
How to use it
Temporarily sets aside topic A to move on to B (a more pressing matter).
- 「～はさておき」 = temporarily set A aside, move on to B. Used when wanting to prioritize a more important matter.
- Familiar phrase: 「冗談はさておき」 (joking aside, let's get to the point).
- Different from 「～は別として」 (excluding A from the scope of discussion); 「さておき」 emphasizes SHIFTING the topic.
Examples
冗談はさておき、そろそろ本題に入りましょう。
Joking aside, let’s get down to business.
細かい点はさておき、まず全体の方針を決めたい。
Setting the details aside, I want to settle the overall direction first.
Keep in mind
- A is the topic being set aside for now.
- The clause that follows is the main topic to be discussed.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong冗談はさておき、もっと冗談を言おう。
Setting the joke aside, let's tell more jokes.
Correct冗談はさておき、本題に入ろう。
The following clause must be a DIFFERENT (more important) topic, not return to the very A just set aside.
-
Wrong天候をさておき、試合をする。
Setting the weather aside, the match will go on.
Correct天候はさておき、試合をする。
Use the particle 「は」: 「N はさておき」.
Exam tips
- 「はさておき」 = set A aside and move to B; 「冗談はさておき」 is a very common phrase.