Translation guide
Used to emphasize that if a simpler or more likely thing is not true or possible, then a more difficult or less likely thing is certainly not true or possible. In Japanese, this is expressed with sentence-ending particles, negative conjunctions, or set phrases that mark an extreme case.
Emphasize that something is so impossible or unlikely that a lesser thing is also out of the question.
A common pattern meaning 'not to mention A, not even B'. Place the more extreme or expected item after もちろん, and the lesser item before も〜ない.
彼は漢字はもちろん、ひらがなも読めない。
He can't read hiragana, let alone kanji.
Stronger than はもちろん. Implies that the first item is far from the truth, and even the second, lesser item is not true.
Emphasize that something is so true or abundant that a lesser thing is also naturally true.
Used in positive contexts to mean 'not only A but also B'. The nuance of 'let alone' is weaker here, but it can be used for emphasis.
彼は英語はもちろん、フランス語も話せる。
He can speak French, let alone English. (He speaks English, and even French.)
In English, 'let alone B, A' often lists the more extreme item second. In Japanese, the more extreme or expected item comes first in the pattern (e.g., 漢字はもちろん, ひらがなも読めない). Be careful not to translate word-for-word.
はもちろん is neutral and simply adds information. どころか strongly denies the first item and emphasizes that even the second is not true. Use どころか for stronger contrast or surprise.
車はもちろん、自転車も買えない。
I can't afford a bicycle, let alone a car.
手伝うどころか、謝りもしなかった。
He didn't even apologize, let alone offer to help.
彼は英語どころか、日本語も話せない。
He can't speak Japanese, let alone English.
A formal, written pattern similar to どころか. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
彼は車はおろか、自転車も持っていない。
He doesn't own a bicycle, let alone a car.