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Formation: N + は別として; [clause] + かどうか + は別として; question word + [clause] + か + は別として

Treats X as a separate case or an exception, and makes a statement about everything else. It is also used to set aside a question you are not answering now, as in 好き嫌いは別として (whether one likes it or not). It is neutral in register and works in both conversation and writing; は別にして is a slightly more conversational form. Compare 〜はともかく: はともかく pushes X aside as less important right now (often hinting that X is doubtful), while は別として marks X as an exception that the statement does not cover. Do not confuse it with the separate conditional phrase Nなら別だが, which means 'it would be different if it were N, but...'.

Variants: 〜は別にして、〜を別にすれば

Examples

• 一部の例外は別として、参加者の大半が満足していた。
  Apart from a few exceptions, most of the participants were satisfied.
• 好き嫌いは別として、彼の実力は誰もが認めている。
  Whether you like him or not, everyone acknowledges his ability.
• 実現できるかどうかは別として、アイデアとしては面白い。
  Leaving aside whether it can actually be done, it's an interesting idea.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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