Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 4: 14/18

どころではない

This is not the time for…, Far from, Out of the question

Structure Legend

Structure

Phrase + どころ + ではない
Phrase + どころ + じゃない

Details

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About どころではない

When the voiced form of ところ 'place', どころ appears in Japanese, it will very often be part of a set phrase expressing some kind of negative situation or evaluation. どころではない is no different, and highlights that it is 'far from (A)', or that '(A) is out of the question'. These translations appear when the actual situation is considered to be even more remarkable than the phrase that どころではない is attached to.
This grammar pattern will be seen at the end of phrases indicating some situation which is not ideal. Additionally, ではない may be replaced with じゃない in more casual settings.
  • 出産(しゅっさん)(いた)どころではないらしい。
    They say childbirth is far from painful.
  • ()()りが(せま)って()てるから、休憩(きゅうけい)()どころじゃない
    The deadline is approaching, so taking a break is out of the question.
どころではない may also sometimes be translated as 'it is not the time for (A)'. In sentences that use this interpretation, (A) is considered to be something that there is no allowance for due to there being far more important matters. This use will reflect the personal opinion of the speaker.
  • (かあ)さんからお(とう)さんが(たお)れたと連絡(れんらく)があったので、仕事(しごと)どころではない
    It is not the time for working, since I got a message from my mother telling me that my father collapsed.
  • (いま)仕事(しごと)(いそが)しいし、お(かね)全然(ぜんぜん)ないから、結婚(けっこん)どころじゃない
    Since I am busy with work and have no money, it is not the time to get married.

Examples

  • 仕事(しごと)(いそが)しすぎて、年休(ねんきゅう)()どころではない

    I am so busy at work, taking time off is out of the question.

  • 大病(たいびょう)(わずら)っているんだから仕事(しごと)どころではない

    Since I have become severely ill, this is not the time for work.

  • (いま)まで恋人(こいびと)出来(でき)たことがないのに、結婚(けっこん)どころではない

    Since I haven't even had a lover yet, getting married is out of the question.

  • (はや)美容(びよう)(しつ)()け」と()われても、(いま)それどころではない

    Even if you were told, 'Go to a beauty parlor right away!', now is not the time for that.

  • (やす)()たくさん()たい。レジャーどころではない

    On my day off, I want to sleep a lot. Leisure activities are out of the question.

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どころではない – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

  • Melanthe

    Melanthe

    About 1 year ago

    This is another grammar point that would probably be better off if it were split into two (like in Shin Kanzen Master N2, or like here).

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