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もさることながら

It goes without saying that …, but even more so … / Not only …, but also (and even more importantly) …

This grammar expresses that while the first point is important or obvious, the second point is equally or more important.

N1

Meaning

It goes without saying that …, but even more so … / Not only …, but also (and even more importantly) …

This grammar expresses that while the first point is important or obvious, the second point is equally or more important.

Formation

Noun + もさることながら

Explanation

もさることながら is used when:

  • The first item is already acknowledged as important

  • But the speaker wants to emphasize a second point

  • The second point often carries stronger impact

Core idea:

  • “X is true, of course, but Y (is even more significant).”

  • “Not only X, but also Y.”

Important nuance:

  • The first part is treated as:

    • obvious

    • already known

    • naturally true

  • The second part contains:

    • the real focus

    • stronger emphasis

This grammar is commonly used in:

  • formal speeches

  • reviews and essays

  • academic writing

  • analytical commentary

  • JLPT N1 reading passages

Tone:

  • Formal

  • Evaluative

  • Structured comparison