GRAMMAR
〜ならまだしも
would be acceptable if ~ (but)
Explanation
NOTE
〜ならまだしも means would be acceptable if... (but) — one case is tolerable, but the real one is not.
子供ならまだしも、大人がそんなことをするのはおかしい。
It would be acceptable if it were a child, but for an adult to do that is strange.
NOTE
It expresses criticism or complaint. The second clause states the unacceptable reality.
一度ならまだしも、三度も遅刻するのは困る。
Once would be okay, but being late three times is a problem.
The speaker shows a clear feeling of dissatisfaction toward the real situation.
NOTE
Attach ならまだしも directly to a noun. It is formal and often used to voice complaints.
STRUCTURE
N辞
ならまだしも初心者ならまだしも、プロがこんなミスをするとは。
Shoshinsha nara madashimo, puro ga konna misu o suru to wa.
It would be okay if it were a beginner, but for a pro to make such a mistake!
少しならまだしも、こんなに遅く来るのは失礼だ。
Sukoshi nara madashimo, konna ni osoku kuru no wa shitsurei da.
A little would be okay, but coming this late is rude.
冗談ならまだしも、本気で言っているなら問題だ。
Joudan nara madashimo, honki de itte iru nara mondai da.
It would be okay if it were a joke, but if you mean it, that's a problem.
一日の遅刻ならまだしも、一週間も休むなんてひどいです。
Ichinichi no chikoku naramadashimo, isshuukan mo yasumu nante hidoi desu.
A one-day delay would be acceptable, but taking a whole week off is awful.
冗談ならまだしも、本気でそんなことを言うなんて信じられません。
Joudan naramadashimo, honki de sonna koto o iu nante shinjiraremasen.
If it were a joke it would be acceptable, but I can't believe you are saying that seriously.
少しの失敗ならまだしも、こんなに大きなミスは許されません。
Sukoshi no shippai naramadashimo, konna ni ookina misu wa yurusaremasen.
A small mistake would be acceptable, but a mistake this big cannot be forgiven.
Practice exercises
1
子供ならまだしも、大人が泣くのはおかしい。
It would be okay if it were a child, but for an adult to cry is strange.
Answer
ならまだしも
2
一度ならまだしも、毎回忘れるのは困る。
Once would be okay, but forgetting every time is a problem.
Answer
ならまだしも
3
新人ならまだしも、部長が間違えるのは恥ずかしい。
It would be okay if it were a newcomer, but for the manager to make a mistake is embarrassing.
Answer
ならまだしも
4
少々のミスならまだしも、この大失敗としたところで許されない。
If it were just a slight mistake, it would be acceptable, but even this huge failure cannot be forgiven.
Answer
ならまだしも
5
若輩者ならまだしも、部長ともなると責任が重い。
If it were a junior, it would be acceptable, but when it comes to a department manager, the responsibility is heavy.
Answer
ならまだしも
6
準備を忘れるならまだしも、実践しなければそれまでだ。
If it were forgetting the preparations, it would be acceptable, but if you don't put it into practice, it's all over.
Answer
ならまだしも
7
個人の意見ならまだしも、公式な場では不適切だ。
If it were a personal opinion, it would be acceptable, but it's inappropriate in an official setting.
Answer
ならまだしも
8
単なる誤解ならまだしも、意図的な行為は許されない。
If it were a mere misunderstanding, it would be acceptable, but an intentional act cannot be forgiven.
Answer
ならまだしも