Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 4: 14/18

どころではないThis is not the time for…, Far from, Out of the question

Structure

Phrase + どころ + ではない
Phrase + どころ + じゃない

Details

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About どころではない

When the voiced form of ところ 'place', どころ appears in Japanese, it will very often be part of a set phrase expressing some kind of negative situation or evaluation. どころではない is no different, and highlights that it is 'far from (A)', or that '(A) is out of the question'. These translations appear when the actual situation is considered to be even more remarkable than the phrase that どころではない is attached to.

This grammar pattern will be seen at the end of phrases indicating some situation which is not ideal. Additionally, ではない may be replaced with じゃない in more casual settings.

どころではない may also sometimes be translated as 'it is not the time for (A)'. In sentences that use this interpretation, (A) is considered to be something that there is no allowance for due to there being far more important matters. This use will reflect the personal opinion of the speaker.

Examples

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    休(やす)みの日(ひ)はたくさん寝(ね)たい。レジャーどころではない。

    On my day off, I want to sleep a lot. Leisure activities are out of the question.

    腰(こし)を痛(いた)めてしまったから、マラソンどころではありません。

    I unfortunately injured my lower back, a marathon is out of the question.

    熱(ねつ)があるというのに、遊園(ゆうえん)地(ち)どころではないよ。

    When you have a fever, it is not the time to go to an amusement park.

    なんとか通(つう)じればいい。アクセントどころではありません。

    It would be good if you could somehow communicate. This is not the time to worry about accent.

    急用(きゅうよう)が入(はい)ったので、お出掛(でか)けどころではなくなった。

    Urgent business came in, so going out became out of the question.

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      どころではない – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

      • Melanthe

        Melanthe

        This is another grammar point that would probably be better off if it were split into two (like in Shin Kanzen Master N2, or like here).

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