どころか

Alternative writings: 所か, 処か
Frequency:
1

far from; anything but — used to deny a previous statement and state an opposite fact.

ParticleUsually Kana

Examples

上手だと言ったが、どころか全然初心者だ。

I said he was good — far from it, he's a complete beginner.

彼は冷静どころか、逆に動揺していた。

He was not calm; on the contrary, he was upset.

期待していたどころか、失望した。

Far from meeting my expectations, I was disappointed.

彼は有能どころか、ミスが多くて心配だ。

Far from being competent, he makes many mistakes and it's worrying.

2

let alone; to say nothing of; much less — used to emphasize that if A isn't true/possible, then B is even less so.

ParticleUsually Kana

Examples

英語は話せないどころか、簡単なあいさつすらできない。

He can't speak English; let alone simple greetings.

そんな高い車は買えないどころか、ローンも組めない。

Let alone buying such an expensive car, he can't even take out a loan.

料理がうまいどころか、いつもレトルトばかり食べている。

Far from being good at cooking, he always eats ready-made meals.

Word Relationships