Structure
Phrase (A) + ならまだしも + Phrase (B)
Details
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Standard
About ならまだしも
ならまだしも is a combination of なら 'if', まだ 'still', and the adverbial particle しも, which has the primary purpose of strengthening the word that comes before it. When used, this structure will often be translated as '(A) is fine, but not (B)', or '(A) is fine, but it's different when it's (B)'.
ならまだしも is a phrase that usually separates the first and second half of sentences, so will be attached to the end of the (A) phrase, marking the statement that is acceptable.
Due to the way that しも alters まだ, a more literal translation of this grammar point can be thought of as 'if it's (A), then of course there's still that, but as for (B)'.
Fun Fact
しも is a classical particle that is not frequently used in modern times outside of set phrases or expressions like ならまだしも, 今しも 'right this moment', and だれしも 'absolutely anybody'. In all cases, it merely strengthens the word directly before it.
- 今しも家を出ようとしていたところだった。I was just about to leave the house.
-
誰しも長年使ってきた釣り竿には愛着がある。Everyone has an attachment to a fishing rod they have used for many years.
Examples
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すみませんが、付き合うぐらいならまだしも、結婚は無理な注文です。
I am sorry, if it is just going out then it is ok, but marriage is out of the question. (is not okay)
すごく恥ずかしい!お父さん、ビーチでならまだしも、半裸で外に出るのはやめてほしい!
This is so embarrassing! Papa, if it is a beach, it is ok, but going half naked outside? I want you to stop! (it is not okay)
隣人がうちの駐車区域にたまに車を止めるならまだしも、いつも止めているから、いい加減腹が立つよ。
If my neighbor uses my parking spot from time to time then it's ok, but because he is always parking there, I get pissed. (it is not okay)
友達に出荷遅延について苦情を言う:「1週間とか2週間ならまだしも、出荷まで3ヶ月も待つなんて全く受け容れられない!」
Complaining to a friend about a shipment delay: 'If it was one or two weeks, that would be fine, but waiting something like 3 months until the shipment? That is completely unacceptable!' (not okay)
ツイート:「自分が感染するだけならまだしも祖父母や親などが病気になってしまうのがとても恐ろしいです。」
Tweet: 'If it is just me becoming infected, then it is ok, but my grandparents or parents becoming ill is really scary.' (is not okay)
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例文と意味
J-nihongo
Literal breakdown of ならまだしも
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ならまだしも – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (1 in total)
Brand_S
Judging from nihongosensei.net, this phrase seems to be interchangeable with ~ならともかく (which I just encountered in the wild). I’m wondering if ~ならともかく should be added to the SRS in some form.
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