〜どころか
far from ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜どころか” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜どころか」 means "far from ~". Structure: Noun + どころか. This is a JLPT N3 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 1参加どころか、休む時間もありません。
さんか どころか、やすむ じかん も ありません。
sanka dokoroka, yasumu jikan mo arimasen.
Far from the participation, I do not even have time to rest.
Everyday life
Example 2帰国どころか、休む時間もありません。
きこく どころか、やすむ じかん も ありません。
kikoku dokoroka, yasumu jikan mo arimasen.
Far from the returning to one's country, I do not even have time to rest.
Everyday life
Example 3購入どころか、休む時間もありません。
こうにゅう どころか、やすむ じかん も ありません。
kounyuu dokoroka, yasumu jikan mo arimasen.
Far from the purchase, I do not even have time to rest.
Everyday life
Example 4練習どころか、休む時間もありません。
れんしゅう どころか、やすむ じかん も ありません。
renshuu dokoroka, yasumu jikan mo arimasen.
Far from the practice, I do not even have time to rest.
At school
Example 5留学どころか、休む時間もありません。
りゅうがく どころか、やすむ じかん も ありません。
ryuugaku dokoroka, yasumu jikan mo arimasen.
Far from the studying abroad, I do not even have time to rest.
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
Far from the participation, I do not even have time to rest.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜どころか.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.