もさることながら
🃏 Flashcard
もさることながら
mo saru koto nagara
Tap to reveal usage
not only... but also ~
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
mo saru koto nagara
Post ID
51266
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
not only... but also ~
📖 How to use it
Expresses 'not only A, but also B', emphasizing that B is even more remarkable given A.
Attaches to
Attach directly to a noun (or nominal phrase), including the の before こと if the noun is modified by a clause.
This pattern compares two things or aspects, stating that the first is already significant, but the second is equally or more so. It is used in formal or written contexts, often in essays, speeches, or news. The structure is: Noun1 + もさることながら + Noun2. For example, 彼は成績もさることながら、スポーツも得意だ means 'Not only are his grades good, but he is also good at sports.' The second part often contains an evaluation or additional information that the speaker finds noteworthy.
このレストランは味もさることながら、雰囲気がとてもいい。
Kono resutoran wa aji mo saru koto nagara, fun'iki ga totemo ii.
Not only is the food at this restaurant good, but the atmosphere is also very nice.
彼女はルックスもさることながら、頭もいい。
Kanojo wa rakkusu mo saru koto nagara, atama mo ii.
She is not only good-looking, but also smart.
この小説は内容もさることながら、文体が美しい。
Kono shousetsu wa naiyou mo saru koto nagara, buntai ga utsukushii.
This novel is not only great in content, but its writing style is beautiful.
Not 〜はもちろん / 〜はもとより
'〜はもちろん' simply lists additional items without implying that the second is more remarkable. '〜もさることながら' emphasizes that the second point is equally or more important, often in a positive evaluation.
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This is a formal, written-style expression; it is not used in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
もさることながら
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat もさることながら three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using もさることながら. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern もさることながら mean?
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Not only... but also ~
What JLPT level is もさることながら?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use もさることながら in a sentence?
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Attach もさることながら (mo saru koto nagara) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is もさることながら formal or casual Japanese?
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もさることながら is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember もさることながら long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.