"どころか(dokoroka)" is primarily used in two ways:
- To emphasize that the reality is the exact opposite of what is expected
- To indicate that something is completely unrelated or that the scope is wider
どころか emphasizes that the reality is the exact opposite of what is expected
Sentence Structure Pattern
- Verb + どころか
- [い]Adjective + どころか
- [な]Adjective + な + どころか
- Noun + どころか
In this pattern, the part before "どころか" indicates what is expected or thought to be normal, and the actual situation is stated afterward.
Nouns or the negative form of verbs are often used before "dokoroka".
Japanese
彼は遅刻どころか、30分も早く来た。
English
He came far from just on time; he was 30 minutes early.
Japanese
彼女は料理がうまいどころか、プロ並みだ。
English
She is far from just good at cooking; she is at a professional level.
Japanese
この問題は簡単どころか、子供でも解とける。
English
This problem is far from simple; even a child can solve it.
Japanese
学生時代は小説を書くどころか、まともに本を読んだこともなかった。
English
During my student days, far from writing novels, I hadn't even read books properly.
Japanese
その部屋は狭いどころか、むしろ広かった
English
The room was far from small; it was rather spacious.
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.
どころか indicates that something is completely unrelated or that the scope is wider
Sentence Structure Pattern
- [ Noun ] + どころか
In this pattern, the part before "どころか" indicates a certain range or category, and a wider range or completely different matter is stated afterward.
Japanese
このレストランは日本料理どころか、世界各国の料理が楽しめる。
English
This restaurant offers not only Japanese cuisine but dishes from all over the world.
Japanese
彼は数学どころか、すべての科目で優秀だ。
English
He excels not only in math but in all subjects.
Japanese
この本は日本で人気どころか、世界中で読まれている。
English
This book is not just popular in Japan, but is read all over the world.
Informal or Formal
Informal
Formal
Spoken or Written language
Spoken
Written
※ My personal impressions are quantified and may vary from person to person.