What it means
どころか follows a noun, adjective, or plain-form clause to reject an expected description and present a stronger or contrasting reality. It commonly means “far from,” “not at all,” or “not only... but even,” depending on the context. The first part is often something the listener might expect, while the following clause shows that the reality is more extreme or moves in the opposite direction.
Usage note
どころか is not itself a polite or familiar ending, so the surrounding sentence must be changed separately for politeness. Do not confuse it with どころではない, which means that someone cannot afford to do something or that a situation is not suitable for it.
How to use it
彼は医者どころか、医学部の学生でもありません。
He is far from being a doctor; he is not even a medical student.
この部屋は静かなどころか、外の工事音がよく聞こえます。
Far from being quiet, this room lets the construction noise outside be heard clearly.
今年の冬は暖かいどころか、例年より雪が多いです。
Far from being warm, this winter has more snow than usual.
彼は謝るどころか、私に責任を押しつけました。
Far from apologizing, he shifted the blame onto me.
彼は医者どころか、医学部の学生でもない。
He is far from being a doctor; he is not even a medical student.
この部屋は静かなどころか、外の工事音がよく聞こえる。
Far from being quiet, this room lets the construction noise outside be heard clearly.
今年の冬は暖かいどころか、例年より雪が多い。
Far from being warm, this winter has more snow than usual.
彼は謝るどころか、私に責任を押しつけた。
Far from apologizing, he shifted the blame onto me.
Example sentences
新しい職場は静かなどころか、朝から電話が鳴り続けている。
Far from being quiet, the new workplace has had the phones ringing continuously since morning.
休日なのに、休むどころか、家の修理で一日中忙しかった。
Although it was a day off, far from resting, I was busy all day repairing the house.
弟は料理が苦手