まだしも

Used to present a more tolerable or acceptable scenario before contrasting it with the actual (worse) situation. The pattern is typically "A ならまだしも、B" meaning "A would still be acceptable, but B is not." Implies that the speaker would grudgingly accept A but finds B unacceptable.

Common patterns

• ～ならまだしも: if it were ~ that would be one thing (but...)
• ～ればまだしも: if ~ then it would still be acceptable
• ～だったらまだしも: if it had been ~, that would be different

Usage

Expresses a concession — acknowledging one situation as tolerable in order to emphasize that the current situation goes beyond what is acceptable. Often carries a tone of complaint or criticism.

Similar words

• まし: better (than the alternative) — simpler and more casual
• せめて: at least — expresses a minimal wish rather than a contrast