means "X aside", "leaving X out of it": the speaker puts one thing to one side, without judging it, and says something about another. It goes straight after a noun.
、。
It doesn't look like much, but it tastes good.
、。
Whatever the reason, late is late.
、。
Never mind the result – what matters is that you tried.
When はともかく sits between two of a kind, the first is left open and the second is the real point. The second item often takes or to mark the contrast.
、。
Kanji is another matter, but I've got a fair grip on the grammar now.
、。
Adults might manage, but it's too hard for children.
Usage notes
These go beyond setting aside a noun.
かどうかはともかく
After a question, はともかく means "whether or not", "never mind who/when".
、。
Whether or not it works, it's worth a try.
、。
Never mind whose fault it is – let's apologise first.
はともかくとして
Adding gives a longer form with the same meaning, a little more formal.
、。
Jokes aside, let's get down to business.
ともかく on its own
At the start of a sentence, means "anyway", "at any rate".
、。
Anyway, let's go and have a look.
はさておき
goes in the same place and means the same. It sounds more bookish; はともかく is the one you hear in conversation.
Lingaku