JLPT N2

〜wa mada shimo

Expresses that while the first item is somewhat acceptable, the second item is not.

Formation

Explanation

The ~はまだしも grammar point is used to show a contrast where the first item or situation might still be understandable or tolerable, whereas the second one is harder to accept. It’s often translated as 'X is one thing, but Y...'.

Example sentences

  • Failing is one thing, but regretting not even trying is worse.

    Shippai suru no wa mada shimo, yaranai de koukai suru hou ga tsurai.

  • It’s not just that this pizza has few vegetables, it also tastes bad.

    Kono piza wa yasai ga sukunai no wa mada shimo, aji mo warui.

  • Being late occasionally might be forgivable, but being late without any contact is unacceptable.

    Tama ni chikoku suru no wa mada shimo, renraku mo sezu ni chikoku suru no wa yurusenai.

  • It’s one thing not to be able to answer difficult questions, but it’s a real problem if you can’t even answer simple ones.

    Muzukashii shitsumon ni kotaerarenai no wa mada shimo, kantan na shitsumon ni mo kotaerarenai no wa mondai da.