もさることながら
It is a fact that, But, Even more than, It goes without saying, Not only but also,
Structure
Explanation
もさることながら is a Japanese expression used to mean 'A is certainly true, but B is even more so', or 'not only A, but B as well'. This grammar point is a combination of the adverbial particle も, the pre-noun adjectival さる, meaning 'a certain' or 'of note', the noun 事 ('matter' or 'thing'), and the conjunction particle ながら ('while' or 'although'). This gives it a more literal meaning of 'while (A) is also a noteworthy matter, (B)'. Keeping this literal sense in mind is useful, as もさることながら always presents (A) as something commendable, but highlights (B) as being even more significant.
もさることながら is attached directly to nouns and phrases that function as nouns.
- あの映画はストーリーもさることながら、音楽も最高だ。Not only is the story of that movie great, but the music is also fantastic.
- このレストランは味もさることながら、雰囲気もとても良い。While the food at this restaurant is excellent, the atmosphere is also wonderful.
- 彼は頭の良さもさることながら、性格も素晴らしい。It goes without saying that he is smart, but his personality is also wonderful.
Because this grammar pattern emphasizes the (B) part of the sentence, it is frequently used together with other expressions that add stress. You may see it paired with words like さらに ('furthermore'), なにより ('above all'), or 以上 ('even more than that').
Examples
あのスマートフォンの性能もさることながら、洗練されたデザインに惹かれる。
It is a fact that the smartphone's performance is great, but it's the sophisticated design that I find appealing.
彼の豊富な経験もさることながら、その前向きな姿勢がチームに良い影響を与えている。
Even more than his extensive experience, his positive attitude has a good influence on the team.
その観光地は、景色の美しさもさることながら、地元ならではの料理も大きな魅力です。
While it is a fact that the scenery at that tourist spot is beautiful, the unique local cuisine is also a major attraction.
子供の成長には、勉強もさることながら、友達と遊ぶ時間も不可欠だ。
When it comes to a child's development, it is a fact that studying is important, but time spent playing with friends is also essential.
家を選ぶときは、値段もさることながら、周辺の治安の良さが何よりも大切だ。
When choosing a house, even more than the price, the safety of the neighborhood is the most important thing.
プロジェクトの成功は、綿密な計画もさることながら、チームの団結力があったからこそだ。
Even more than the detailed plan, the project's success was thanks to the team's strong unity.
健康のためには、運動もさることながら、バランスの取れた食生活が欠かせない。
For good health, while it's a fact that exercise is important, a balanced diet is also indispensable.
あのカフェはコーヒーの味もさることながら、落ち着いた雰囲気が良くて、よく利用する。
While it's a fact that the coffee at that cafe is delicious, I often go there because the calm atmosphere is so nice.
どんな技術でも、才能もさることながら、地道な努力を続けることが上達への近道です。
For any skill, it is a fact that talent is important, but continuing to put in steady effort is the real shortcut to improvement.
物語：「彼の剣術の腕前もさることながら、その人柄こそが人々を惹きつけるのだ。」
Story: 'It is a fact that his swordsmanship is superb, but it is his character that truly draws people to him.'
評論：「彼女の科学的発見もさることながら、後進の育成に力を注いだ点が評価されるべきだ。」
Critique: 'It is a fact that her scientific discoveries were remarkable, but her dedication to mentoring the next generation is what should be praised.'
企画会議、先輩：「イベントを盛り上げるために有名人を呼ぼう。」
後輩：「ゲストの知名度もさることながら、イベント自体の内容が面白くなければ意味がないと思います。」
Planning meeting, Senior colleague: 'Let's invite a celebrity to liven up the event.'
Junior colleague: 'It is a fact that the guest's fame is important, but I think it's meaningless if the content of the event itself isn't interesting.'