もさることながらA matters, but B also
もさることながら acknowledges that A is important, then shifts attention to B as equally or even more noteworthy. It often corresponds to “A matters, but B also” or “not only A, but especially B.”
How the emphasis works
A and B should be two genuine aspects of the same evaluation. The speaker accepts A as significant rather than dismissing it, but B carries the sentence’s main point. This makes the pattern useful for praising a work, analyzing the reasons for success, or identifying an especially serious concern.
Three common settings
Notice that the first item is valid in every example, while the second receives greater attention.
この映画は、映像美もさることながら、登場人物の繊細な心理描写も見事だ。
The film’s visual beauty is impressive, but its delicate portrayal of the characters’ inner lives is equally remarkable.
AnalyzeThis review praises both features, with the characterization receiving the stronger spotlight.
プロジェクトの成功には、綿密な計画もさることながら、現場の柔軟な判断力も大きく貢献した。
Careful planning contributed to the project’s success, but the team’s flexible judgment on the ground also played a major part.
Analyze新システムについては、導入費用もさることながら、運用開始後の保守体制も懸念されている。
The system’s initial cost is a concern, but its maintenance arrangements after launch are also causing particular concern.
AnalyzeChoosing among close addition patterns
もさることながら first acknowledges A and then deliberately spotlights B. はもちろん treats A as an obvious starting point and simply adds B. ばかりか moves more directly from A to a stronger or surprising B, while はもとより is a formal but more straightforward way to add B from an established baseline.
More examples
この製品は、デザインもさることながら、片手で扱える操作性も高く評価されている。
This product is praised for its design, but especially for how easy it is to operate with one hand.
Analyze新事業の成功には、経営陣の決断もさることながら、若手社員の粘り強い働きも欠かせなかった。
The executives’ decision mattered to the new venture’s success, but the younger employees’ persistent work was also indispensable.
Analyze今回の不祥事では、管理体制の甘さもさることながら、問題発覚後の説明の遅れも厳しく批判されている。
In this scandal, the weak oversight has been criticized, but so too—and especially—has the delay in providing an explanation after the problem came to light.
Analyzeこの宿の人気は、眺望もさることながら、スタッフの細やかな心遣いにも支えられている。
The inn’s popularity rests not only on its views but also, importantly, on the staff’s thoughtful attention to detail.
Analyze採用では、専門知識もさることながら、異なる意見に耳を傾ける姿勢も重視される。
In hiring, specialist knowledge matters, but a willingness to listen to different opinions is also given considerable weight.
Analyze彼女の講演は、内容の深さもさることながら、難しい概念を身近な例で伝える語り口も印象的だった。
Her lecture had impressive depth, but what was equally striking was the way she explained difficult concepts through familiar examples.
Analyze