Explanation
Expresses that while the first item is somewhat acceptable, the second item is not.
Formation
Noun1 + はまだしも + Noun2
Detailed explanation
The ～はまだしも grammar point is used to show a contrast where the first item or situation might still be understandable or tolerable, whereas the second one is harder to accept. It’s often translated as 'X is one thing, but Y...'.
Examples
Shippai suru no wa mada shimo, yaranai de koukai suru hou ga tsurai.
Failing is one thing, but regretting not even trying is worse.
Kono piza wa yasai ga sukunai no wa mada shimo, aji mo warui.
It’s not just that this pizza has few vegetables, it also tastes bad.
Tama ni chikoku suru no wa mada shimo, renraku mo sezu ni chikoku suru no wa yurusenai.
Being late occasionally might be forgivable, but being late without any contact is unacceptable.
Muzukashii shitsumon ni kotaerarenai no wa mada shimo, kantan na shitsumon ni mo kotaerarenai no wa mondai da.
It’s one thing not to be able to answer difficult questions, but it’s a real problem if you can’t even answer simple ones.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.