もさることながら

one may well say so, but, not only… but also, it is a fact that, even more than, it goes without saying

AI-generated

Structure

[noun] + もさることながら

Description

もさることながら means "X, of course, but also – and more – Y". It follows a noun: the speaker grants that X matters or impresses, then turns to Y, which is the real point of the sentence.

、。

The food is good of course, but the atmosphere of this restaurant is wonderful.

、。

The design goes without saying, but this car also performs superbly.

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His singing goes without saying, but I was also amazed by his dancing.

It takes a noun only. To use an adjective or a verb, turn it into a noun first: ×おいしいもさることながら → おいしさもさることながら.

The fixed part comes from classical さる, "to be so": "X being so as well, …". It has nothing to do with the ながら of "while doing".

もさることながら or だけでなく

adds Y to X on equal terms. もさることながら concedes X and then puts the weight on Y.

、。

This restaurant has not only good food but also a nice atmosphere.

、。

This restaurant's food is good of course, but it's the atmosphere that's wonderful.

Register

もさることながら belongs to writing, reviews and speeches. In conversation もいいけど or だけじゃなくて does the job.

Examples

、。

The taste of the food was excellent, but I was moved by the beauty of the presentation.

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Her beauty goes without saying, but her intelligence and refinement captivate many people.

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Salary is important, but workplace relationships are also crucial when choosing a job.

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The visuals of this film are remarkable, but the music is truly outstanding.

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His skill is a given, but luck has also greatly influenced his success.

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The price is appealing, but the high quality is what makes this product attractive.

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The coach's skill was a factor, but it was the players' hard work that led to the championship.

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The content was good, but his presentation style was what drew the audience in.

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The company's technical capabilities go without saying, but their after-sales service is also well regarded.

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His own talent is undeniable, but it was surely the support of his family that made his success possible.

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The hotel's location goes without saying, but it's the staff's service that is wonderful.

、。

In an exam, knowledge matters of course, but how you use your time matters too.

References

もさることながらBunpro

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