Meaning
This grammar pattern expresses that something goes without saying; it is used to state that a certain thing is so obvious it need not be mentioned. It indicates a hierarchical relationship where the item before はおろか is of a higher degree than what follows. Besides はおろか, the form もおろか also exists.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) | のはおろか |
| Noun | のはおろか |
Examples
-
そんなことじゃ二回戦はおろか一回戦だって勝てるかわからないぞ。
With that attitude, forget about winning the second round — it's uncertain whether you can even win the first. -
街は静まり返り、歩く人の姿はおろか、人の気配すら感じられない。
The streets were completely silent — let alone seeing people walking, you couldn't even sense anyone's presence. -
うちの両親は田舎から出たことがなく、海外はおろか東京にすら行ったことがありません。
My parents have never left the countryside — let alone going abroad, they haven't even been to Tokyo.
Summary
- 「〜はおろか」 means "let alone ..., not to mention ..."
- Attaches to Verb (plain form) or Noun