どころか (dokoroka): Far from; let alone
～どころか (dokoroka)
Meaning
Far from; let alone
Formation and usage
plain clause／N + どころか
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Rejects an expected description and introduces a markedly different reality, whether better or worse.
Examples
資料を読むどころか、開く時間さえなかった。
Far from reading the documents, I did not even have time to open it.
報告書を読むどころか、開く時間さえなかった。
Far from reading the report, I did not even have time to open it.
説明書を読むどころか、開く時間さえなかった。
Far from reading the instructions, I did not even have time to open it.
計画書を読むどころか、開く時間さえなかった。
Far from reading the written plan, I did not even have time to open it.
申込書を読むどころか、開く時間さえなかった。
Far from reading the application form, I did not even have time to open it.
How related patterns differ
さえ and すら give extreme examples; たりとも excludes even the smallest amount. はおろか denies a more basic case. どころか counters an expectation; どころではない leaves no room to act. のみ and にすぎない limit things with different emphasis.