JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
far from/anything but
Category: Contrast and Comparison
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').
| 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。 |
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)
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.
The dictionary form of the verb is essential to convey the correct meaning of this pattern.
'Bakari ka' is just 'not only', whereas this pattern implies a greater degree or opposite.
This pattern is used to emphasize a greater degree or opposite of what was expected, not a similar degree.
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.
風邪は良くなる ______ 、ひどくなる一方だ。
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