〜ならまだしも

"If it were X that would be one thing, but ..." Raises an excusable hypothetical, then criticizes the real situation. Slightly formal, dissatisfied tone.

「Xなら許せるが、実際は違う」と不満を述べる。

Formation: N／普通形 + ならまだしも（na-adj は語幹 + なら）

Example sentences

  1. 新人ならまだしも、部長がこのミスとは。

    しんじんならまだしも、ぶちょうがこのミスとは。

    From a newcomer maybe, but this mistake from a department head?

  2. 忙しいならまだしも、暇なのに手伝おうとしない。

    いそがしいならまだしも、ひまなのにてつだおうとしない。

    If he were busy that'd be one thing, but he's free and still won't help.

  3. 一度謝るならまだしも、言い訳ばかりだ。

    いちどあやまるならまだしも、いいわけばかりだ。

    If he'd apologized even once it would be different, but it's all excuses.

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