Japatan
Formation
- N + はおろか
- V辞書形 + の + はおろか
Explanation
Used as X はおろか Y も/さえ/まで: "not to mention X, even Y." It is mostly used in negative sentences and carries surprise or dissatisfaction. It can also be positive, as in "known not only in Japan but even abroad." It cannot be followed by commands, requests, or statements of intention.
Examples
忙しくて、旅行はおろか、近くの公園を散歩する時間さえない。
I'm so busy that I don't even have time for a walk in the nearby park, let alone a trip.
引っ越したばかりで、近所の人の名前はおろか、顔もまだ分からない。
I just moved, so I don't even know my neighbors' faces yet, let alone their names.
新人のころは、会議で意見を言うのはおろか、質問することさえできなかった。
When I was new, I couldn't even ask questions in meetings, let alone give my opinion.
この歌は国内はおろか、海外でも広く知られている。
This song is widely known not only in Japan but even overseas.
Notes
It is normally followed by も, さえ, or まで. It cannot be used with requests or intentions such as 〜てください or 〜つもりだ; use 〜だけでなく instead.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1熱が高くて、食事（ ）、水を飲むのもつらかった。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 はおろか
I had a high fever, so even drinking water was hard, let alone eating meals. はおろか means "not to mention." The other choices do not make sense here.
2弟は漢字はおろか、ひらがな（ ）書けない。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 さえ
My younger brother can't even write hiragana, let alone kanji. The pattern is X はおろか Y さえ〜ない. しか would mean he can write only hiragana, which contradicts the sentence.
3「はおろか」の使い方が正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 財布を忘れて、昼ご飯はおろか、ジュース一本も買えなかった。
3 is correct: "I forgot my wallet and couldn't even buy a juice, let alone lunch." 1 is a request and 2 an intention, which はおろか cannot take. 4 lacks も and makes no sense.
