Japanese grammar
What does ～もさることながら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～もさることながら means not only… but even more so….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + もさることながら + N + も |
| Romaji | mosarukotonagara |
| Meaning | not only… but even more so… |
Forming it
| Noun (point A) | 味 + もさることながら |
|---|---|
| Noun (point B) | サービス + も |
How to use it
Acknowledges that A is notable, but emphasizes that B stands out even more. Formal.
- 「AもさることながらBも」 = A is already impressive/goes without saying, but B is even more remarkable. The FOCUS is on B.
- Different from 「だけでなく」 (just adds on, without distinguishing focus): 「さることながら」 always emphasizes the LATTER clause.
- Formal, often used when praising something.
Examples
この店は味もさることながら、接客のよさが評判だ。
The food here is good, but it’s the service that people rave about.
彼の歌唱力もさることながら、表現力が素晴らしい。
His singing is impressive, but his expressiveness is even more so.
Keep in mind
- The focus is on clause B (the latter one).
- Clause B usually includes 「も」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong味もさることながら、サービスは普通だ。
The taste goes without saying, but the service is ordinary.
Correct味もさることながら、サービスも素晴らしい。
The following clause must be MORE outstanding, or at least equally praiseworthy; saying it's ordinary contradicts the pattern.
-
Wrong手伝ってもさることながら、貸してください。
The taste goes without saying, and the service is good too.
Correct味もさることながら、サービスもよい。
This pattern connects two NOUNS for evaluation; it is not used with a request sentence.
Exam tips
- 「AもさることながらBも」 = A goes without saying, but B is even more; the focus is on B.