JLPT N1 grammar

〜はおろかmeaning and usage

Meaning

B, let alone A; B, not to mention A

How to form it

  • nounはおろか
  • verb (dictionary form)ことはおろか

How it is used

'Let alone A, not even B': A is the more obvious case, B a more basic or extreme one, usually with 「も」, 「さえ」 or 「すら」 and a negative, showing surprise or dissatisfaction. No commands or intentions follow. Close to 「〜どころか」.

Examples

  1. 彼女は話すことはおろか、 満足に呼吸すらできていなかった。

    Let alone talk, she couldn't even catch her breath (breathe fully).

  2. そのチームは優勝はおろか、一回戦も突破できなかった。

    The team didn't even get past the first round, let alone win the title.

  3. 父は料理はおろか、自分でお湯を沸かしたこともない。

    My father has never even boiled water himself, let alone cooked a meal.