Noun + はともかく

[Setting aside / Leaving ~ aside]

Connection: Noun + はともかく

Usage: Used to set one topic aside in order to focus on another, more important or relevant point. Implies that the first item is less important or can be dealt with later.

Variations:

• はともかく (standard)
• はともかくとして (slightly more formal)

Similar expressions:

• はさておき = setting aside (slightly more formal)
• は別として = aside from

Examples:

値段はともかく、品質が大事だ。(Setting aside the price, quality is important.)

結果はともかく、努力したことが大切だ。(Leaving the result aside, what's important is that you made an effort.)

冗談はともかく、本題に入りましょう。(Jokes aside, let's get to the main topic.)