ならまだしも
(Nara madashimo)
if it were at least X (that would be OK, but).
Connection rules
- ＋Noun + ならまだしも; plain-form clause + ならまだしも.
- ＋Escalating criticism — 'X would be OK, but Y crosses the line'.
- ＋Common in complaints and disappointment: 一度ならまだしも、何度もは困る ('once would be OK, but many times is a problem').
Examples
1.
一度ならまだしも、何度も遅刻するのは困る。
Ichi do nara madashimo, nan do mo chikoku suru no wa komaru.
Once I could accept, but being late repeatedly is a problem.
「if it were at least X (that would be OK, but)」
2.
無料ならまだしも、有料でこれはひどい。
Muryou nara madashimo, yuuryou de kore wa hidoi.
If it were free it'd be OK, but for pay, this is awful.
「if it were at least X (that would be OK, but)」