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以前・どころではない・はおろか: the difference

Meaning

Before, Not even, Before even, Precede, Far from

Past papers

Not yet

Example

ポイ捨すては法律ほうりつ以前いぜんの道義どうぎ的てきな問題もんだいだ。

When it comes to littering, before even the law, it is a moral issue.

Meaning

This is not the time for…, Far from, Out of the question

Past papers

Tested 2 times in past papers

Example

休やすみの日ひはたくさん寝ねたい。レジャーどころではない。

On my day off, I want to sleep a lot. Leisure activities are out of the question.

Meaning

Let alone, Much less, Needless to say, Not to mention, Not only but also

Past papers

Not yet

Example

「ルームメイトはオムライスはおろか、おにぎりさえ作つくれない。」

'My roommate cannot even make onigiri, let alone omurice.'

How to tell them apart

「〜以前の問題だ」: doesn't even reach the minimum bar, so further demands are out of the question.

「〜どころではない」: the situation is urgent or you are too busy, so there is no room to do it.

「〜はおろか」: can't do even the basics, let alone anything advanced.

All about 以前 ›All about どころではない ›All about はおろか ›