Processing keyword: ～はまだしも (〜wa mada shimo)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～はまだしも (〜wa mada shimo)

～はまだしも (〜wa mada shimo)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～はまだしも (〜wa mada shimo). This expression is used to compare two situations, where one is considered acceptable or tolerable, while the other is not. Understanding this grammar point will help you express nuanced opinions and preferences in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～はまだしも is used to express that while A might be acceptable or tolerable, B is not. It highlights a contrast where the first item is somewhat acceptable, but the second surpasses the speaker's threshold of acceptance.

• English Equivalent: "might be acceptable, but...", "would be tolerable, but...", "it's one thing to..., but..."

Structure

The basic structure is:

Noun + はまだしも + [B]

• Noun (A): The acceptable or tolerable condition.
• [B]: The unacceptable or intolerable condition that follows.

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ～ならともかく（～ならともかく）
   • Usage: Used to express that while A might be acceptable, B is not.
   • Difference: ～ならともかく can be used with verbs and adjectives, whereas ～はまだしも is primarily used with nouns.
2. ～はいいとして（～はいいとして）
   • Usage: Means "leaving aside A, B is...".
   • Difference: Focuses on setting aside the first point to discuss the second, whereas ～はまだしも emphasizes that A is acceptable in contrast to B.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal - Written
   • Japanese: 雨の日はまだしも、雪の日に運転するのは危険です。
   • Reading: あめのひはまだしも、ゆきのひにうんてんするのはきけんです。
   • Translation: It's one thing to drive on a rainy day, but driving on a snowy day is dangerous.
2. Formal - Spoken
   • Japanese: 数ページのレポートはまだしも、50ページの論文を書くのは大変です。
   • Reading: すうページのレポートはまだしも、50ページのろんぶんをかくのはたいへんです。
   • Translation: Writing a few-page report might be manageable, but writing a 50-page thesis is tough.
3. Informal - Spoken
   • Japanese: 英語はまだしも、フランス語は全然わからないよ。
   • Reading: えいごはまだしも、フランスごはぜんぜんわからないよ。
   • Translation: I might get by in English, but I have no clue about French.
4. Informal - Written
   • Japanese: 歩いて行くのはまだしも、走るなんて無理。
   • Reading: あるいていくのはまだしも、はしるなんてむり。
   • Translation: Walking there might be okay, but running is impossible.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, there is often a strong emphasis on expressing opinions politely and indirectly. ～はまだしも allows the speaker to gently contrast two situations without outright rejecting or criticizing the second condition harshly.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 冗談はまだしも、本気でそう思っているのですか？
  • It's one thing to joke, but do you seriously think that? This expression is commonly used to soften criticism or express concern without being confrontational.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using Verbs or Adjectives Directly Incorrect: 食べるはまだしも、買うのは高すぎる。 Correct: 試食（ししょく）はまだしも、買うのは高すぎる。 Tip: Since ～はまだしも is primarily used with nouns, convert verbs or adjectives into noun forms when necessary.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device Think of まだ (still) and しも (even). So, "A is still okay, but even B is too much."
• Practice with Comparisons Create sentences comparing two scenarios, focusing on where one is acceptable and the other is not.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～はまだしも is used to express that while A is acceptable, B is not.
• It is mainly used with nouns.
• Helps in making polite contrasts or expressing reservations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the primary usage of ～はまだしも?
   • Answer: To state that while A is acceptable or tolerable, B is not.
2. Is ～はまだしも generally used with verbs, adjectives, or nouns?
   • Answer: Nouns.
3. Translate the following sentence:
   • Japanese: 初心者はまだしも、プロがこんなミスをするなんて。
   • Answer: It's one thing for a beginner, but for a professional to make such a mistake...

Feel free to create your own sentences using ～はまだしも to solidify your understanding!