〜ならいざしらず

Maybe if..., but...

1. Translation

「〜ならいざしらず」 is a grammatical structure used to contrast two different situations. It conveys the idea that one situation (the first one) might be understandable or acceptable, but the second one is not. It is often used to express a sense of surprise, disapproval, or incomprehension regarding the latter situation.

2. Structure

• Noun + ならいざしらず
• Verb (plain form) + ならいざしらず
• Adjective (plain form) + ならいざしらず

3. Usage Explanation

• Contrasting Two Situations:
  The first part of the sentence refers to a situation that might be acceptable or understandable, while the second part highlights a situation that seems strange, unexpected, or hard to justify in comparison.

• Common in Formal Contexts:
  This structure is typically used in formal writing or speech, such as news reports or official statements.

• English Equivalent:
  Similar to "It would be understandable if..., but..." or "Maybe if..., but not..."

4. Example Sentences

1. 子供ならいざしらず、大人がそんなことをするのは信じられない。
   It might be understandable if a child did it, but it's unbelievable for an adult to do such a thing.

2. 昔ならいざしらず、今の時代ではそんな考え方は通用しない。
   That might have been understandable in the past, but that way of thinking doesn't work nowadays.

3. 観光客ならいざしらず、地元の人がこの場所を知らないのは驚きだ。
   It would be understandable if a tourist didn’t know, but it’s surprising that a local doesn’t know this place.

4. 新人ならいざしらず、経験豊富なスタッフがミスをするのは問題だ。
   If it were a newbie, it might be excusable, but it's problematic when experienced staff make mistakes.

5. 外国ならいざしらず、日本でそんな服を着る人は少ない。
   Maybe it’s common in other countries, but very few people in Japan wear such clothes.

5. Key Points

• Comparison Between Two Situations:
  This grammar emphasizes a contrast between what might be acceptable in one situation and what seems unreasonable or surprising in another.

• Formal and Slightly Judgmental Tone:
  The phrase is often used to express mild criticism or surprise, particularly when one situation seems out of place or abnormal.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜ならともかく: This structure is used to convey that one situation may be acceptable, but another one isn’t. The tone of 「〜ならともかく」 is a bit softer and less formal than 「〜ならいざしらず」.
  • Example: 見た目が悪いならともかく、味まで悪いとは思わなかった。
    I could accept that it looks bad, but I didn’t expect it to taste bad as well.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜はまだしも: This structure expresses that one thing might be tolerable or acceptable, but another is not.
  • Example: あの店のサービスは値段が高いのはまだしも、料理が美味しくないのは許せない。
    I could accept that the prices are high, but the food not being tasty is unacceptable.

8. Summary

「〜ならいざしらず」 is used to contrast a situation that might be acceptable with one that is not. It highlights a sense of surprise or disapproval regarding the second situation and is often seen in formal or slightly judgmental contexts.