# はともかく: leaving aside; regardless of

> Learn how to use はともかく, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning leaving aside; regardless of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-wa-tomokaku/

**はともかく** means **leaving aside; regardless of**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **set one matter aside to focus on another**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **はともかく** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does はともかく mean?

Use **はともかく** when you want to **set one matter aside to focus on another**.

Natural translations include:
- leaving aside; regardless of
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form はともかく

Noun + はともかく

Examples of the pattern:
- 値段はともかく
- 結果はともかく
- 冗談はともかく

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is はともかく used?

Use **はともかく** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## はともかく example sentences

- 値段はともかく、品質はとてもいい。 — Leaving the price aside, the quality is very good.
- 結果はともかく、努力したことは評価したい。 — Regardless of the result, I want to value the effort.
- 冗談はともかく、真面目に考えよう。 — Jokes aside, let's think seriously.
- 見た目はともかく、味はおいしい。 — Leaving appearance aside, the taste is good.
- 彼の意見はともかく、まず事実を確認しよう。 — Putting his opinion aside, let's first check the facts.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **はともかく** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of はともかく

The key nuance is **set one matter aside to focus on another**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **はともかく** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **は別として**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## はともかく vs は別として

Both **はともかく** and **は別として** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**はともかく**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**は別として**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 値段はともかく、品質はとてもいい。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **は別として** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with はともかく

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **は別として** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **はともかく**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is はともかく on the JLPT?

Yes. **はともかく** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for はともかく

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **はともかく**.
- Write a second sentence with **は別として** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for はともかく

To learn **はともかく** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **はともかく** with **は別として** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **はともかく** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [n3 wa betsu toshite](/blog/n3-wa-betsu-toshite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n2 nuki ni shite nuki de](/blog/n2-nuki-ni-shite-nuki-de/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n2 o nozoite](/blog/n2-o-nozoite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn はともかく with Hane

If you want to review **はともかく** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)