N3Contrast and Comparison

V/A/N + どころか

Q: Is "Using the wrong verb form" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the dictionary form of the verb". The dictionary form of the verb is essential to convey the correct meaning of this pattern.

Q: Is "Mixing it up with 'bakari ka'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct pattern". 'Bakari ka' is just 'not only', whereas this pattern implies a greater degree or opposite.

Q: Is "Using it to imply a similar degree" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use it to imply a greater degree or opposite". This pattern is used to emphasize a greater degree or opposite of what was expected, not a similar degree.

far from/anything but

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V/A/N + どころか" is used to emphasize that the actual situation is much worse, better, or simply different from what was mentioned. It implies a greater degree or opposite of what was expected. This pattern is often used with 'mo' or 'sae' in the second part to further emphasize the contrast. For example, instead of saying "not only" (which implies a similar degree), this pattern suggests a much greater degree or opposite. It's essential to use the dictionary form of the verb and avoid mixing it up with other patterns like 'bakari ka' (which is just 'not only').

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Dictionary form	V/A/N + どころか	風邪は良くなるどころかひどくなる一方だ。
Dictionary form with 'mo'	V/A/N + どころかも	彼は漢字を書くどころかひらがなも書けない。
Dictionary form with 'sae'	V/A/N + どころかさえ	独身を選ぶどころか子供が三人もいるよ。

Examples

Example Sentences

風邪は良くなるどころかひどくなる一方だ。

Kaze wa yokunaru dochoka hidoi ni naru ichiban da.

The cold is not getting better, but getting worse instead.

風邪は良くなる (the cold is getting better) どころか (far from) ひどくなる一方だ (getting worse instead)

彼は漢字を書くどころかひらがなも書けない。

Kare wa kanji o kaku dochoka hiragana mo kaikenai.

He can't even write hiragana, let alone kanji.

彼は漢字を書く (he can write kanji) どころか (far from) ひらがなも書けない (can't even write hiragana)

独身を選ぶどころか子供が三人もいるよ。

Dokushin o erabu dochoka kodomo ga mittsunin mo iru yo.

He chose to be single, but he has three kids instead.

独身を選ぶ (he chose to be single) どころか (far from) 子供が三人もいる (he has three kids instead)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to emphasize a greater degree or opposite of what was expected. It's essential to use the dictionary form of the verb and avoid mixing it up with other patterns like 'bakari ka' (which is just 'not only'). This pattern is often used in informal conversations and writing.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong verb form

Use the dictionary form of the verb

The dictionary form of the verb is essential to convey the correct meaning of this pattern.

Mixing it up with 'bakari ka'

Use the correct pattern

'Bakari ka' is just 'not only', whereas this pattern implies a greater degree or opposite.

Using it to imply a similar degree

Use it to imply a greater degree or opposite

This pattern is used to emphasize a greater degree or opposite of what was expected, not a similar degree.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

Pay attention to the verb form and the meaning of the sentence. This pattern is often used in informal conversations and writing, so be prepared to see it in various contexts.

In context