〜もさることながら
Not to Mention
〜もさることながら is a formal way to say 'A is certainly true, but B is even more so.' It shifts the listener's focus from a well-known fact (A) to a point the speaker considers more important or impressive (B).
How It Works
The expression 〜もさることながら is an advanced (JLPT N1 level) formal additive pattern. It is derived from the classical Japanese 然（さ）ある ('to be so') and ながら ('while/although').
1. Usage and Nuance
It is primarily used in formal speeches, business contexts, or high-level writing. Unlike neutral additive patterns like not only... but also, this pattern carries a specific weight: it implies that while the first point (A) is obvious, expected, or already known, the second point (B) is the 'real' highlight or a more critical issue. The second clause often includes emphatic words like また, さらに, or もっと to further highlight the second point.
2. Grammatical Structure
- Noun + もさることながら
- To use a verb or adjective, you must first nominalize it using the formal nominalizer こと (e.g., 走（はし）ることもさることながら).
3. Contextual Flexibility
While most commonly used for praise (e.g., 'The food is good, but the service is even better'), it can also be used for negative social observations where the second point is a more severe concern than the first.
Examples (5)
- このレストランは、味もさることながら、店内の雰囲気が素晴らしい。
This restaurant's food is excellent, but its interior atmosphere is truly wonderful.
Word by Word: This restaurant, taste also is so although, inside-shop atmosphere is wonderful.
The speaker acknowledges the food is good (a given), but wants to emphasize that the atmosphere is the standout feature.
- 彼女は、外見の美しさもさることながら、その誠実な人柄で多くの人に愛されている。
She is loved by many not just for her physical beauty, but even more so for her sincere personality.
Word by Word: She, appearance's beauty also is so although, that sincere personality by many people is loved.
This highlights that while her beauty is undeniable, her character is the more significant reason for her popularity.
- 今回の新製品は、機能性もさることながら、デザインの斬新さが目を引く。
The functionality of this new product is great, but it's the innovative design that really catches the eye.
Word by Word: This time's new product, functionality also is so although, design's innovativeness eye catches.
The speaker notes the product works well, but the primary 'punchline' is the striking design.
- 少子化もさることながら、高齢化社会への対策は急務である。
The declining birthrate is one thing, but measures for an aging society are an even more urgent matter.
Word by Word: Declining birthrate also is so although, aging society toward measures urgent-business are.
This shows the pattern used in a serious, non-praising context to prioritize one social issue over another.
- 彼は走ることもさることながら、泳ぐのも非常に速い。
His running is impressive, but he is also an extremely fast swimmer.
Word by Word: He running also is so although, swimming also extremely fast.
This example demonstrates how to use a verb by nominalizing it with こと before the pattern.
Common Mistakes
Using the pattern in casual conversation.
このラーメン、味もさることながら、安いね！このラーメン、味はもちろんだけど、安いね！〜もさることながら is very formal. Using it while eating ramen with friends sounds unnaturally stiff. Use 〜はもちろん or 〜だけでなく for casual settings.
Placing the more important point first.
デザインの斬新さもさることながら、機能性がいい。機能性もさることながら、デザインの斬新さが素晴らしい。The 'weight' of the sentence always falls on the second part (B). If you want to emphasize the design, it must come after the grammar pattern.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The pattern '〜もさることながら' is a formal expression used to say 'A is true, of course, but B is also important (or even more so).' To understand it, you need to be familiar with the particle 'も' for addition and the general concept of 'not only A but also B' found in patterns like '〜はもちろん' and '〜だけでなく'.
Related Patterns
- はもちろんNot to Mention
A more common and neutral way to say 'A is obvious, and B is also true,' without necessarily emphasizing B over A.
Level 3 - どころかFar From/let Alone
Used to say 'far from A, it's actually B,' often used in negative contexts to show a surprising degree.
Level 4 - だけでなく〜もNot Only but Also
A standard 'not only A but also B' pattern that is less formal and lacks the specific 'A is a given' nuance.
Level 2 - 〜はおろかLet Alone
A formal pattern meaning 'let alone,' used almost exclusively in negative sentences to show that even a basic thing (A) is impossible.
Level 5 - ばかりでなくNot Merely
A formal version of 'not only,' similar in register but focuses on simple addition rather than shifting emphasis.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice 〜もさることながら in Bubblegum
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