は別としてSetting aside; treating separately
A + は別として treats A as a separate case so that the following statement can be made without deciding, evaluating, or including A.
How it works
The item before は別として is placed in a separate mental box. The following clause then states what is true without relying on a judgment about that item. Depending on context, English may use “setting aside,” “regardless of,” or “apart from”; the construction does not always mean literal exclusion.
Separating a factor or case
価格は別として、この機種は使いやすく、動作も速い。
Leaving price aside, this model is easy to use and runs quickly.
AnalyzePrice is not being judged here; it is simply removed from the current evaluation of the model.
山田さんは別として、ほかの参加者は全員この町に住んでいる。
Apart from Ms. Yamada, all the other participants live in this town.
AnalyzeHere one person is treated as an exception to the general statement.
When the answer does not matter
採用されるかどうかは別として、面接を受けること自体が勉強になる。
Whether or not you are hired, the interview itself will be a useful learning experience.
AnalyzeThe result of the application does not affect the value assigned to the interview experience.
Separate treatment versus direct exclusion
は別として can reserve judgment about A or handle it as a separate case. By contrast, を除いて directly removes A from a group or stated range, so it is the clearer choice when literal set exclusion is the whole point.
会長を除いて、委員は全員出席した。
Every committee member except the chair attended.
AnalyzeThis directly excludes the chair from the group counted as attending.
More examples
費用は別として、この案はすぐに実行できる。
Setting the cost aside, this plan can be put into action immediately.
Analyze年齢は別として、応募者には三年以上の経験が必要です。
Regardless of age, applicants need at least three years of experience.
Analyze成功するかどうかは別として、試してみる価値はある。
Whether or not it succeeds, it is worth trying.
Analyze参加するかしないかは別として、金曜日までに返事をください。
Whether you participate or not, please reply by Friday.
Analyze子どもは別として、大人の参加費は一人千円です。
Children are handled separately; the participation fee for adults is 1,000 yen each.
Analyze味は別として、この店はサービスがとてもいい。
Leaving the food aside, this restaurant has excellent service.
Analyze