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Needless to say; let alone
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞（＋助詞）＋はおろか" is used to emphasize the extremity of a situation. It is often used to convey a sense of irony or criticism. The pattern suggests that if something obvious (A) is the case, then something more extreme (B) is even more so. The nuance of this pattern is often negative or critical, implying that the situation is worse than expected. For example, if someone says "今の給料では、貯金はおろか日々の生活を維持することさえ難しい", it means that not only is it hard to save money, but it's also hard to maintain daily life. The emphasis on "はおろか" highlights the severity of the situation.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun phrase with particle | 名詞（＋助詞）＋はおろか | 貯金はおろか |
| Verb phrase with particle | 動詞（＋助詞）＋はおろか | 日々の生活を維持することがはおろか |
| Adjective phrase with particle | 形容詞（＋助詞）＋はおろか | 簡単な漢字はおろか |
Examples
今の給料では、貯金はおろか日々の生活を維持することさえ難しい。
Ima no kyūryō de, tsukaika wa oroka nichijō no seikatsu o ikasu koto sae muzukashii.
With the current salary, not only is it hard to save money, but it's also hard to maintain daily life.
今の給料では (with the current salary), 貯金はおろか (not only is it hard to save money, but), 日々の生活を維持することさえ (it's also hard to maintain daily life), 難しい (is difficult)
彼は自分の名前はおろか、簡単な漢字も書けないようだ。
Kare wa jibun no namae wa oroka, kanzen na kanji mo kakukenai yō da.
He can't even write his own name, let alone simple Chinese characters.
彼は (he), 自分の名前はおろか (can't even write his own name, let alone), 簡単な漢字も (simple Chinese characters), 書けないようだ (can't write)
不況のあおりで、ボーナスはおろか給料カットまで実施された。
Fukyō no aori de, bōnazu wa oroka kyūryō katto made jitsugen sareta.
Due to the economic downturn, not only was the bonus cut, but even the salary was reduced.
不況のあおりで (due to the economic downturn), ボーナスはおろか (not only was the bonus cut, but), 給料カットまで (even the salary was reduced), 実施された (was implemented)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal writing or spoken language to convey a sense of irony or criticism. It is often used to emphasize the extremity of a situation. The nuance of this pattern is often negative or critical, implying that the situation is worse than expected. It can be compared to the pattern "～どころか", which suggests a complete opposite or much higher degree.
Watch out
Reversing the order can change the meaning of the sentence and make it sound unnatural.
The two patterns have different nuances and should not be used interchangeably.
Omitting the particles can make the sentence sound unnatural and lose its emphasis.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to pay attention to the nuance and emphasis. The correct order of the elements and the inclusion of emphasizing particles are crucial to conveying the intended meaning. Practice using this pattern in context to improve your skills.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞（＋助詞）＋はおろか used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
今の給料では、貯金はおろか日々の生活を維持することさえ難しい。
Pattern used: はおろか
‘Ha oroka’ is used to show that saving money (obvious) is impossible, and even basic living (extreme/fundamental) is at risk.
彼は自分の名前はおろか、簡単な漢字も書けないようだ。
Pattern used: はおろか
‘Ha oroka’ emphasizes that even his own name is out of the question, leading to the broader point about simple kanji.
不況のあおりで、ボーナスはおろか給料カットまで実施された。
Pattern used: はおろか
In a negative context where one expected thing (bonus) didn't happen and something worse (pay cut) did, ‘ha oroka’ is most natural.
Interactive
今の給料では、貯金______日々の生活を維持することさえ難しい。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.