どころではない
This is not the time for…, Far from, Out of the question
Structure
Phrase + どころ + じゃない
Explanation
The expression どころではない is a set phrase that uses the voiced version of ところ ('place'), which is どころ. Like many phrases containing どころ, it is used to express a negative circumstance or judgment. どころではない emphasizes that something is 'not at all the case' or 'out of the question', usually because the actual situation is far more severe or serious than what is being described.
This grammar pattern appears at the conclusion of a clause to describe a situation that is impossible or far from ideal. In more informal speech, ではない can be substituted with じゃない.
- そのテストは簡単どころではなかった。That test was anything but easy.
- 台風が来るそうだから、週末のキャンプはどころじゃない。I hear a typhoon is coming, so a weekend camping trip is out of the question.
Another common meaning for どころではない is 'this is no time for (A)'. When used this way, it communicates that the speaker cannot afford the time, energy, or money for (A) due to a more pressing matter. This usage strongly reflects the speaker's personal circumstances and feelings.
- 財布をなくしてしまって、映画を見るどころではない。I've lost my wallet, so this is not the time to be watching a movie.
- 明日引っ越しだから、友達と遊んでいるどころじゃないんだ。Since I'm moving tomorrow, this is no time to be hanging out with friends.
Examples
試験が明日なのに、ゲームどころではない。
My exam is tomorrow, so playing games is out of the question.
今月はピンチで、外食どころではありません。
I'm in a pinch this month, so eating out is out of the question.
ペットが病気だから、旅行どころではないよ。
My pet is sick, so this is hardly the time for a trip.
大変なミスをしてしまって、休憩どころではありません。
I've made a terrible mistake, so this is no time for a break.
子供が熱を出したので、映画どころではなくなった。
My child came down with a fever, so going to the movies became out of the question.
引越しで忙しすぎて、のんびりするどころではない。
I'm so busy with moving, relaxing is out of the question.
台風が近づいているから、バーベキューどころではない。
With a typhoon approaching, having a barbecue is out of the question.
車が故障して、ドライブどころではなくなった。
My car broke down, so going for a drive became out of the question.
部屋がめちゃくちゃで、お客さんを呼ぶどころではない。
My room is a complete mess, so having guests over is out of the question.
財布を忘れてきて、ランチどころではありません。
I forgot my wallet, so lunch is out of the question.
やることが山積みで、デートどころではないんだ。
I have a mountain of things to do, so going on a date is out of the question.
プレゼンの準備で徹夜したから、遊びに行くどころではない。
I pulled an all-nighter preparing for the presentation, so going out to have fun is out of the question.