〜はおろか
Formation
Meaning
Used to state that something is so obvious it goes without saying, usually followed by a negative statement emphasizing that even a basic or lesser thing is impossible.
Note
A formal expression emphasizing that even a basic or expected thing is not possible, let alone something of a higher level. Often used with particles like さえ, までも, or も and negative verbs.
Examples
彼は歩くのはおろか、立つことさえできない状態だ。
He is in a condition where he cannot even stand, let alone walk.
自分で料理をするのはおろか、お湯を沸かすことすらしない。
Not to mention cooking for himself, he doesn't even boil water.
海外旅行に行くのはおろか、国内旅行に行く時間もない。
I don't even have time to travel domestically, let alone go on an overseas trip.
私は漢字はおろか、ひらがなさえ読めない。
I can't even read hiragana, let alone kanji.
家はおろか、車すら持っていない。
I don't even own a car, let alone a house.
彼女は英語はおろか、母国語の敬語も正しく使えない。
She can't correctly use honorifics in her native language, let alone speak English.