もさることながら

The expression もさることながら is used to acknowledge one thing as noteworthy or important, while emphasizing that something else is even more so or equally worthy of attention. It conveys the nuance of "not only X but also Y" or "X goes without saying, but Y is also remarkable." The first element (before もさることながら) is presented as an accepted fact, while the second element is highlighted as the speaker's main point.

The structure is: Noun + もさることながら

Despite the grammar point's association with ながら, this is a fixed expression built around the classical verb さる (然る), meaning "to be so / to be that way." The phrase literally means something like "that being the case as well, but…" – acknowledging the first point while pivoting to the second.

Usage notes

• This is a formal, written expression commonly found in essays, reviews, speeches, and news articles. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
• The noun before も is typically something already recognized as positive or noteworthy. The clause after もさることながら then introduces an additional or even more impressive quality.
• It differs from simple "not only… but also" (だけでなく) in that it carries a stronger tone of concession – the speaker genuinely acknowledges the first point before shifting focus.