Japatan
Formation
- N + はともかく(として)
- V普通形 + かどうか + はともかく
- 疑問詞 + V普通形 + か + はともかく
Explanation
It means "let's leave ~ aside for now and talk about what follows." The speaker sets the first point aside rather than saying it is unimportant. It is often used when the first point is doubtful but the second is good, as in 味はともかく、量が多い. You can also say 〜はともかくとして.
Examples
この店は、味はともかく、量が多くて安い。
The taste aside, this restaurant gives you large portions at low prices.
結果はともかく、最後まであきらめずに頑張ったことが大切だ。
Whatever the result, what matters is that you kept trying to the end.
旅行に行くかどうかはともかく、休みの予定だけは決めておこう。
Whether or not we go on a trip, let's at least decide our plans for the holidays.
見た目はともかくとして、このかばんはとても丈夫だ。
Looks aside, this bag is very sturdy.
Notes
It looks like 〜はもとより, but the meaning differs. はともかく sets the first point aside, while はもとより includes it as obvious.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1日本語の発音（ ）、文法はかなり正確だ。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 はともかく
"Their pronunciation aside, their Japanese grammar is quite accurate." はともかく sets pronunciation aside. The other three are normally followed by 〜も, not 文法は.
2値段（ ）、まず実際に使ってみて決めたい。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 はともかく
"Price aside, I want to try it out first before deciding." はともかく sets the price aside. にもかかわらず cannot be followed by a wish like 〜たい.
3彼が来る（ ）はともかく、料理は多めに用意しておこう。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 かどうか
"Whether he comes or not, let's prepare plenty of food." A verb clause connects as かどうか + はともかく.
