JLPT N2

〜dokoro de wa nai

Not the time/place for; far from; can't possibly.

Formation

Explanation

The ~どころではない grammar point is used to express that circumstances make it impossible or inappropriate to do something - there’s a much bigger issue at hand. It can also mean ‘far from’ in a figurative sense.

Example sentences

  • This is not the time to laugh at his mistakes—we’re making the same ones.

    Kare no shippai o warau dokoro de wa nai. Watashitachi mo onaji misu o shite iru.

  • When you’re sick in bed, it's far from the time to play around.

    Byōki de nete iru toki wa, asobu dokoro de wa nai.

  • Since the exam is coming up, I can’t possibly watch a movie.

    Shiken ga chikai node, eiga o miru dokoro de wa nai.

  • I'm way too busy with work to even think about going on a trip.

    Shigoto ga isogashisugite, ryokō nante kangaeru dokoro de wa nai.