〜もさることながら
not only ~ but also
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜もさることながら.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜もさることながら」 means "not only ~ but also". Structure: Noun + もさることながら. 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
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
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品質もさることながら、採決も重要だ。
ひんしつ も さる こと ながら、さいけつ も じゅうよう だ。
hinshitsu mo saru koto nagara, saiketsu mo juuyou da.
Quality aside, the vote is also important.
Shopping & services
Example 2品質もさることながら、買収も重要だ。
ひんしつ も さる こと ながら、ばいしゅう も じゅうよう だ。
hinshitsu mo saru koto nagara, baishuu mo juuyou da.
Quality aside, the acquisition is also important.
Everyday life
Example 3品質もさることながら、志願も重要だ。
ひんしつ も さる こと ながら、しがん も じゅうよう だ。
hinshitsu mo saru koto nagara, shigan mo juuyou da.
Quality aside, the volunteering is also important.
Everyday life
Example 4品質もさることながら、転載も重要だ。
ひんしつ も さる こと ながら、てんさい も じゅうよう だ。
hinshitsu mo saru koto nagara, tensai mo juuyou da.
Quality aside, the reprinting is also important.
Everyday life
Example 5品質もさることながら、滞納も重要だ。
ひんしつ も さる こと ながら、たいのう も じゅうよう だ。
hinshitsu mo saru koto nagara, tainou mo juuyou da.
Quality aside, the payment arrears is also important.
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
Quality aside, the vote is also important.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜もさることながら.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.