はさておき・
This construction deliberately puts one topic aside so that attention can move to another. It means “setting A aside for now,” not permanently dismissing A.
A deliberate change of focus
Put the topic being suspended directly before はさておき or はさておいて. Then state the issue that should receive attention now. The two forms have the same basic meaning, and both normally lead into the new focus.
A common conversational move
冗談はさておき、明日の発表内容を確認しましょう。
Joking aside, let’s check the content of tomorrow’s presentation.
AnalyzeThe speaker explicitly ends the joking phase and returns attention to a serious task.
Setting aside a practical issue
費用はさておいて、まず計画の目的を明確にする必要がある。
Setting the cost aside for now, we first need to clarify the purpose of the plan.
AnalyzeCost may still matter later; it is simply not the current item on the agenda.
Putting an unresolved question aside
When A is a whole question rather than a noun, place かどうか after the plain clause. This packages “whether A” as the topic being suspended. A question-word clause ending in か works in the same way.
Questions that need not be answered yet
この案が実現できるかどうかはさておき、検討する価値はある。
Whether this proposal can be realized or not, it is worth considering.
AnalyzeFeasibility remains unresolved, but an answer is not required before deciding that the proposal deserves consideration.
誰が責任を取るかはさておいて、今は被害の拡大を防ぐべきだ。
Setting aside for now who will take responsibility, we should prevent the damage from spreading.
AnalyzeA more visible agenda shift
はさておき explicitly announces that a named topic is being shelved so the speaker can move to B. はともかく is broader and often merely indicates that A is not the point to judge or consider at present.
More examples
結果はさておき、挑戦したこと自体に意味がある。
Setting the result aside, the attempt itself has value.
Analyze提案が採用されるかどうかはさておいて、まず内容を最後まで聞いてください。
Setting aside whether the proposal will be accepted, please first listen to it through to the end.
Analyzeデザインはさておき、この椅子は長時間座っても疲れにくい。
Setting the design aside, this chair is comfortable even after sitting in it for a long time.
Analyze彼の話し方はさておき、指摘の内容を検討しよう。
Let’s set aside the way he spoke and examine the substance of his point.
Analyze冗談はさておいて、本題に戻りましょう。
Joking aside, let’s return to the main subject.
Analyze開催場所はさておき、今日は日程を決める必要があります。
Setting the venue aside for now, we need to decide the schedule today.
Analyze