〜はおろか〜すら・さえ・も・まで〜ない

Not only... but even...; let alone...

1. Overview

「〜はおろか〜すら・さえ・も・まで〜ない」 is a Japanese expression that emphasizes the degree of something. When using this structure, a basic matter or situation is typically mentioned, followed by an emphasis that even this basic situation does not hold true, often used to express negation or highlight extreme conditions.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Noun + はおろか + Noun + すら・さえ・も・まで + Negative Form

• Explanation:

  • 「おろか」 means "let alone" or "not to mention," emphasizing the content that follows.
  • 「すら・さえ・も・まで」 indicates "even...," "not even...," or "also...," further emphasizing the point.

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection: Can be attached to nouns, verbs, etc., indicating an emphasis on a higher or more obvious negation starting from a basic situation.

• Usage: This grammar is commonly used in both spoken and written language to emphasize the extremity and severity of a certain situation.

• Translation: Typically translated as “not only... but even... not” or “let alone... even... not.”

4. Alternative Grammar

• 〜はもちろん〜も: Indicates that not only is a situation true, but even other situations are the same.

5. Similar Grammar

• 〜はともかく: Indicates that the content of a matter is not the focus of discussion but emphasizes other content.
• 〜どころか: Indicates that something is not only what was mentioned but even more extreme.

6. Key Points to Note

• Context: This grammar is generally used to express negation and emphasis, suitable for both spoken and written language, but should be used cautiously in formal situations.

• Degree of Emphasis: It emphasizes that the content following is more extreme or significant than what precedes it.

7. Example Sentences

1. 彼は英語はおろか、日本語すら話せない。
   Not only can he not speak English, but he can't even speak Japanese.

2. 彼女は友達はおろか、家族とも連絡を取らない。
   She doesn't contact her friends, let alone her family.

3. この問題は簡単はおろか、解決すらできない。
   This problem is not only simple; we can't even solve it.

4. その映画は面白いはおろか、見る価値すらない。
   That movie is not only boring; it isn’t even worth watching.

5. 彼は食事はおろか、水さえ飲まない。
   He doesn't eat, let alone drink water.

8. Summary

「〜はおろか〜すら・さえ・も・まで〜ない」 is used to emphasize that even the most basic content does not exist in a certain situation, typically expressing strong negation and emphasis. It is applicable in various contexts and helps emphasize the extreme nature and severity of matters.