〜どころじゃない

Not the time/place for...; It's not about...

1. Overview

「〜どころじゃない」 is a grammatical structure used to indicate that the situation is far from what is being mentioned, often implying that one cannot do or focus on something due to more pressing issues. It expresses that the context is not suitable for the action or state being discussed.

2. Structure

• Verb (plain form) + どころじゃない
• Noun + どころじゃない
• Adjective (plain form) + どころじゃない

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicates inappropriateness of a situation: The structure emphasizes that the current circumstances do not allow for the mentioned action or condition, often due to urgency or seriousness.

• Common contexts: It is often used in conversations when someone is overwhelmed or when an issue is more serious than a trivial matter.

4. Example Sentences

1. 今は遊んでいるどころじゃない。仕事がたくさんある。
   (It's not the time to play; I have a lot of work.)

2. お金がないので、旅行どころじゃない。
   (I don't have money, so it's not about traveling.)

3. 試験が近いので、遊ぶどころじゃない。
   (With the exam approaching, it's not a time for fun.)

4. 彼は忙しくて、デートどころじゃない。
   (He is so busy that it's not the time for a date.)

5. この問題は簡単な話どころじゃない。
   (This issue is not a trivial matter.)

5. Key Points to Note

• Seriousness of Situation: The structure often conveys a sense of urgency or seriousness, indicating that the speaker's priorities have shifted due to pressing matters.

• Contextual Use: Commonly used in spoken language, this expression can convey frustration, exasperation, or urgency regarding the situation at hand.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜なんて言っていられない: Indicates that one cannot afford to say or think about something trivial.
  • Example: 今はそんなことを考えているなんて言っていられない。
    (I can't afford to think about such things right now.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜どころか: Used to emphasize that the reality is even further from what is being described.
  • Example: その仕事は簡単どころか、非常に難しい。
    (That job is not easy; it's extremely difficult.)

8. Summary

「〜どころじゃない」 is a structure used to express that the current situation is not appropriate for the mentioned action or condition, often due to more pressing issues. It highlights the seriousness or urgency of the circumstances.