GRAMMAR
〜はともかく
leaving aside
Explanation
NOTE
〜はともかく means setting X aside or regardless of X — used to set aside one topic to focus on another.
味はともかく、見た目はきれいだ。
Setting aside the taste, it looks pretty.
X is acknowledged but bracketed off so the speaker can comment on Y.
NOTE
The second clause usually offers a contrasting or more important point about Y.
値段はともかく、品質はいい。
Regardless of the price, the quality is good.
Often X is a negative point; Y is the positive or decisive one.
NOTE
Attach 〜はともかく directly to a noun (no だ needed).
STRUCTURE
N辞
はともかく値段はともかく、この服はとてもきれいです。
Nedan wa tomokaku, kono fuku wa totemo kirei desu.
Leaving aside the price, this dress is very beautiful.
味はともかく、見た目はとてもおいしそうです。
Aji wa tomokaku, mitame wa totemo oishisou desu.
Leaving aside the taste, it looks very delicious.
結果はともかく、一生懸命頑張りました。
Kekka wa tomokaku, isshoukenmei ganbarimashita.
Leaving aside the result, I did my very best.
結果はともかく、努力は認めるよ。
Kekka wa tomokaku, doryoku wa mitomeru yo.
Setting aside the result, I recognize the effort.
平日はともかく、週末は休みたい。
Heijitsu wa tomokaku, shuumatsu wa yasumitai.
Setting aside weekdays, I want to rest on weekends.
彼の性格はともかく、仕事は早い。
Kare no seikaku wa tomokaku, shigoto wa hayai.
Regardless of his personality, his work is fast.
Practice exercises
1
味はともかく、この料理は色やら形やらが素晴らしい。
Leaving aside the taste, the colors and shapes of this dish are wonderful.
Answer
はともかく
2
値段はともかく、味にしろ見た目にしろ、満足だ。
Leaving aside the price, whether it's the taste or the appearance, I'm satisfied.
Answer
はともかく
3
結果はともかく、過程が重要と言うより本質的だ。
Leaving aside the result, the process was more than just important, it was essential.
Answer
はともかく
4
安全性はともかく、新しい技術の環境への影響が心配だ。
Leaving aside safety, I'm worried about the environmental impact of this new technology.
Answer
はともかく
5
他者の評価はともかく、自分が納得できるかが重要だ。
Leaving aside others' evaluations, it's important whether I myself can be satisfied.
Answer
はともかく