B1 conjunction Neutral #2,500 most common 1 min read

どころか

dokoroka /dokoroka/
Practice it

It emphasizes that the actual situation is completely different from, or even worse than, what was expected.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to express strong contrast between expectation and reality.
  • Indicates that the reality is far from the initial assumption.
  • Often implies a negative or surprising outcome.

一般的な文脈：日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使われます。特に、相手の期待や一般的な常識に対して、「実際はそれとは大違いだ」と反論したり、状況の深刻さを強調したりする文脈で頻出します。

  1. 1類似語との比較：「〜どころか」は強い対比を表しますが、「〜だけでなく」は単なる追加（プラスアルファ）を表します。また、「〜どころか」は否定的な文脈で使われることが多く、「〜どころではない」という慣用句とも関連が深いです。

Examples

1

忙しくて休むどころか、食事の時間もない。

everyday

I'm so busy that far from resting, I don't even have time to eat.

2

彼は反省するどころか、開き直っている。

formal

Far from being sorry, he is becoming defiant.

3

そんなの簡単どころか、めちゃくちゃ難しいよ。

informal

That's not easy; it's actually incredibly difficult.

4

この政策は経済を改善するどころか、悪化させている。

academic

This policy is not improving the economy; it is making it worse.

Common Collocations

～どころか～ない Far from doing X, I can't even do Y.
～どころか、むしろ～ Far from being X, it is rather Y.

Common Phrases

それどころか

On the contrary / Far from it

忙しいどころではない

I am beyond busy

Often Confused With

どころか vs だけでなく

This indicates simple addition (not only X but also Y). It lacks the strong contrast or the 'expectation vs reality' gap that 'dokoroka' provides.

Grammar Patterns

名詞 ＋ どころか 動詞辞書形 ＋ どころか い形容詞 ＋ どころか

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Dokoroka is used to emphasize a sharp contrast between expectations and reality. It is neutral in terms of formality but carries a strong emotional tone. It is typically used when the reality is significantly worse or different than what was assumed.

Common Mistakes

Students often use it to mean 'in addition to'. Remember that it must imply a contradiction or a shift in focus. Another mistake is using it with positive, expected outcomes where 'dake de naku' would be more appropriate.

Tips

💡

Focus on the gap between expectations

Use this word when you want to highlight that reality is far from what was anticipated. It is very effective for expressing surprise or frustration.

⚠️

Avoid using it for simple additions

Do not use 'dokoroka' if you just want to add information. Use 'dake de naku' instead for simple 'not only but also' structures.

🌍

Used to show modesty or emphasis

Japanese speakers often use this to downplay their own achievements by comparing them to something much greater. It reflects a humble communication style.

Word Origin

Derived from 'dokoro' (place/point) and 'ka' (question marker/emphasis). It literally refers to the point being discussed and pushes it aside to focus on the following clause.

Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, this is often used to express modesty when someone is praised. By saying 'I can't do X, let alone Y,' the speaker deflects praise in a socially acceptable way.

Memory Tip

Think of it as 'Far from it!'. When you say 'dokoroka', imagine you are pushing away the first idea to make room for a much stronger, often surprising reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「だけでなく」は単なる情報の追加ですが、「どころか」は前述の事柄を否定し、より極端な状況を提示する対比のニュアンスが強いです。

はい、使えます。ただし、その場合も「期待とは大きく異なる」という対比の感情が含まれることが一般的です。

名詞、動詞の辞書形、形容詞（い形容詞・な形容詞）に直接接続できます。文の途中で用いて二つの事柄を対比させます。

驚きや不満、意外性を伝えたい場面で非常に効果的です。客観的な説明よりも、話し手の主観が入る文脈でよく使われます。

Test Yourself

fill blank

彼は漢字を書く___か、ひらがなさえ満足に書けない。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: どころか

「漢字を書く」という期待に対して、それどころか「ひらがなも書けない」という極端な状況を対比させています。

Score: /1

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

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