HomeGrammarJLPT N1Noun はいざ知らず (~ wa iza shirazu)

Noun はいざ知らず (~ wa iza shirazu)

JLPT N1

Explanation

‘I can understand it for ~, but for …? (surprising)’

Formation

Detailed explanation

The はいざ知らず grammar point is used when contrasting two scenarios: the first being understandable, and the second being unexpected or surprising by comparison. It often translates as “Well, for A, I can understand, but for B…?!”

Examples

Kare ga okureru no wa iza shirazu, kanojo made chikoku suru to wa igai da.

Well, I can understand him being late, but even her...? That's surprising.

Natsu wa iza shirazu, fuyu ni aisukuriimu o taberu no wa samusugimasen ka?

I can see eating ice cream in summer, but in winter…isn't it too cold?

Kodomo ga terebi geemu ni muchuu ni naru no wa iza shirazu, otona made sonnani muchuu ni naru to wa omowanakatta.

I can see why kids get hooked on video games, but I didn't think even adults would get that absorbed.

Kurushii toki wa iza shirazu, heiji demo sonnani doryoku suru nante subarashii.

Well, I can understand working hard in tough times, but to do so even in normal times is impressive.

Practice

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.