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Not only... but also (B is more emphasized)
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞＋もさることながら" is used to emphasize that B is also true and perhaps even more important than A, which is already widely recognized or understood. This pattern is often used to add a new perspective or highlight a different aspect of a situation. The emphasis is on B, not A, and the speaker wants to draw attention to the importance or significance of B. This pattern is commonly used in formal writing and speech, particularly in academic or professional contexts.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun form | 名詞＋もさることながら | このレストランは味がうまいことながら、接客の素晴らしさでも有名だ。 |
| Verb form | 動詞＋もさることながら | 新製品の性能もさることながら、その洗練されたデザインに注目が集まっている。 |
| Adjective form | 形容詞＋もさることながら | 親の期待もさることながら、彼自身の努力が実を結んで合格を勝ち取った。 |
Examples
このレストランは味がうまいことながら、接客の素晴らしさでも有名だ。
Kono resutoran wa aji ga umai koto ni tsukete, seikatsu no subarashisa demo yūme da.
This restaurant is not only famous for its delicious food, but also for its excellent service.
このレストランは味がうまいことながら、接客の素晴らしさでも有名だ。 (This restaurant is not only famous for its delicious food, but also for its excellent service.)
新製品の性能もさることながら、その洗練されたデザインに注目が集まっている。
Shin seihin no sonryoku mo sa ru koto ni tsukete, sono senritsu-sareta dezain ni chūmoku ga shūmatta.
Not only is the new product's performance impressive, but its sophisticated design is also attracting attention.
新製品の性能もさることながら、その洗練されたデザインに注目が集まっている。 (Not only is the new product's performance impressive, but its sophisticated design is also attracting attention.)
親の期待もさることながら、彼自身の努力が実を結んで合格を勝ち取った。
Oya no kitai mo sa ru koto ni tsukete, kare jishu no doryoku ga jitsu o matsu ni, gōka o kachitotta.
Not only did his parents expect him to pass, but he also achieved it through his own hard work.
親の期待もさることながら、彼自身の努力が実を結んで合格を勝ち取った。 (Not only did his parents expect him to pass, but he also achieved it through his own hard work.)
Context
This pattern is used to add a new perspective or highlight a different aspect of a situation. It is commonly used in formal writing and speech, particularly in academic or professional contexts. The emphasis is on B, not A, and the speaker wants to draw attention to the importance or significance of B.
Watch out
This pattern is not suitable for purely negative comparisons. Instead, use 'ha oroka' to express a negative contrast.
The emphasis is on B, not A. Make sure to highlight the importance or significance of B.
The correct particle to use is 'も'. Do not use 'は' or 'も' in combination with other particles.
Strategy
Pay attention to the emphasis on B and the correct particle usage. Make sure to use this pattern to add a new perspective or highlight a different aspect of a situation.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞＋もさることながら used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このレストランは味もさることながら、接客の素晴らしさでも有名だ。
Pattern used: もさることながら
‘Mo sarukoto nagara’ acknowledges the taste (A) but highlights the customer service (B) as a key feature.
新製品の性能もさることながら、その洗練されたデザインに注目が集まっている。
Pattern used: もさることながら
This highlights the design while acknowledging the performance, a classic usage for giving additional, higher praise.
親の期待もさることながら、彼自身の努力が実を結んで合格を勝ち取った。
Pattern used: もさることながら
While acknowledging parental expectations, the speaker emphasizes the individual's effort using ‘mo sarukoto nagara’.
Interactive
このレストランは味______、接客の素晴らしさでも有名だ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.