Processing keyword: Noun もさることながら Noun も (A mo saru koto nagara B mo)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun もさることながら Noun も (A mo saru koto nagara B mo)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～もさることながら. This expression is used to highlight that not only the first noun but also the second noun is significant, often implying that the second is even more noteworthy. It's a valuable structure for emphasizing multiple important aspects in a sentence.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The phrase Noun A + もさることながら + Noun B + も is used to express that both Noun A and Noun B are important, with a slight emphasis on Noun B. It often carries the nuance that while Noun A is significant, Noun B is even more so.

• も: also, too
• さることながら: an expression meaning "needless to say" or "it goes without saying"

Meaning

• "Not only Noun A, but also Noun B"
• Emphasizes that both elements are noteworthy, with a potential emphasis on the latter.

Structure

Noun A + もさることながら + Noun B + も

Formation Diagram

Part	Role
Noun A	First important element
も	Particle meaning "also"
さることながら	Phrase meaning "needless to say"
Noun B	Second important element
も	Particle meaning "also"

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～はもちろん: "not only... but also..."
  • Example: 彼は英語はもちろん、スペイン語も話せる。
  • Translation: "He can speak not only English but also Spanish."
• ～ばかりでなく: "not only... but also..."
  • Example: 彼女は歌が上手なばかりでなく、ダンスも得意だ。
  • Translation: "She is not only good at singing but also excels at dancing." Difference: While these expressions are similar in meaning, ～もさることながら is more formal and often used in written language to give a stronger emphasis on the importance of both elements, especially the latter.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal/Written Context
   • 日本の伝統文化もさることながら、現代文化も世界中で注目されている。
   • Translation: "Not only is Japan's traditional culture significant, but its modern culture is also attracting worldwide attention."
2. Business/Professional Context
   • 品質もさることながら、サービスの速さも評価されています。
   • Translation: "Not only is the quality important, but the promptness of the service is also highly valued."
3. Casual/Spoken Context
   • 彼の才能もさることながら、その努力も素晴らしい。
   • Translation: "Not only is his talent remarkable, but his effort is also amazing."
4. Academic Context
   • 研究内容もさることながら、そのプレゼンテーションも素晴らしかった。
   • Translation: "Not only was the research content excellent, but the presentation was also outstanding."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, it's common to acknowledge multiple aspects of a subject, showing a balanced and comprehensive view. The use of ～もさることながら reflects a culturally ingrained politeness by appreciating all relevant factors.

Levels of Politeness

This expression is considered formal and is frequently used in written language, speeches, and formal presentations. It's less common in casual conversation.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Particle Usage
  • Incorrect: 日本の料理がさることながら、景色も美しい。
  • Correct: 日本の料理もさることながら、景色も美しい。 Tip: Ensure to include the particle も after the first noun.
• Misplaced Emphasis
  • Misunderstanding which noun is being emphasized can lead to confusion. Remember that while both nouns are important, there's often a subtle emphasis on the second noun.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device

  • Think of もさることながら as "Noun A is so, but Noun B also is noteworthy."

• Practice

  • Create your own sentences using topics you're interested in to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～もさることながら emphasizes that both Noun A and Noun B are important.
• It's a formal expression used mainly in written and formal spoken Japanese.
• Ensure correct particle usage and remember the slight emphasis on the second noun.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks
   • 環境問題もさることながら、経済問題____深刻だ。
   • Answer: も
2. True or False
   • The expression ～もさることながら can be used in casual conversation.
   • Answer: False (It's mainly used in formal contexts.)
3. Choose the correct usage
   • Which sentence correctly uses ～もさることながら?
     • a) 彼は勉強もさることながら、遊びに行った。
     • b) 価格もさることながら、デザインも重要だ。
   • Answer: b) 価格もさることながら、デザインも重要だ。

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By understanding and practicing ～もさることながら, you'll be able to add depth and emphasis to your Japanese expressions, especially in formal writing and speeches.

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