姑且不论…，…
leaving … aside for the moment, …
Structure
姑且不论 问题或说法 ， 作者要说的观点
What it means
“Leaving … aside for the moment”: sets a question aside without answering it, then makes a point that holds either way. 姑且 = for the time being; 不论 = not discuss.
How it is built
姑且不论 + open question (是否…, A-not-A, a pair of opposites) or noun phrase，+ your point: 姑且不论他的动机是什么，这件事他确实做得不对 (leaving his motives aside, he was wrong).
When to use it
Formal and written, an arguer's move. In speech say 先不说… or 撇开…不谈. Its cousin 且不说…，就是…也… builds up instead of setting aside.
Watch out
Not the same as 不论…都… (no matter …): 不论价格高低，都卖得很好 says price makes no difference, while 姑且不论价格高低 only puts the price question off.
Examples
姑且不论这些概括是否过时，书中写家庭与闲适的文字今天读来依旧动人。
Leaving aside whether these generalisations are out of date, the book’s pages on family and leisure are as moving as ever.
姑且不论价格高低，这款手机的设计就让人眼前一亮。
Price aside for the moment, the design of this phone alone is eye-catching.
姑且不论他的动机是什么，这件事他确实做得不对。
Leaving his motives aside, he was certainly wrong to do this.
Learn this in Lesson 252 · HSK 9+: 林语堂《吾国与吾民》 (Lin Yutang’s My Country and My People)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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