〜はおろか
let alone ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜はおろか” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜はおろか」 means "let alone ~". Structure: Noun + はおろか. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1休暇はおろか、停泊の時間さえない。
きゅうか は おろか、ていはく の じかん さえ ない。
kyuuka wa oroka, teihaku no jikan sae nai.
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the anchorage.
Getting around
Example 2休暇はおろか、乗換の時間さえない。
きゅうか は おろか、のりかえ の じかん さえ ない。
kyuuka wa oroka, norikae no jikan sae nai.
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the transfer (trains).
Everyday life
Example 3休暇はおろか、暗唱の時間さえない。
きゅうか は おろか、あんしょう の じかん さえ ない。
kyuuka wa oroka, anshou no jikan sae nai.
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the recitation.
Everyday life
Example 4休暇はおろか、静養の時間さえない。
きゅうか は おろか、せいよう の じかん さえ ない。
kyuuka wa oroka, seiyou no jikan sae nai.
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the rest.
Everyday life
Example 5休暇はおろか、飼育の時間さえない。
きゅうか は おろか、しいく の じかん さえ ない。
kyuuka wa oroka, shiiku no jikan sae nai.
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the raising (animals).
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Let alone vacation, there is not even time for the anchorage.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜はおろか.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.