What it means
まだしも indicates that the first situation would be relatively acceptable or preferable, especially when contrasted with a worse situation that follows. It often means “that would be one thing, but...” or “better than...” and is commonly used with なら or は. The expression usually sets up a contrast and is not normally used as a simple standalone statement of preference.
Usage note
The construction usually implies that the second situation is unacceptable, undesirable, or more difficult than the first. Do not interpret まだしも as an ordinary adjective meaning simply “better”; the surrounding contrast is essential.
How to use it
初心者ならまだしも、経験者が同じミスをするのは問題です。
It would be one thing if they were beginners, but it is a problem for experienced people to make the same mistake.
休日はまだしも、平日に長時間待たされるのは困ります。
Waiting for a long time on a weekday is difficult, although waiting on a holiday would be one thing.
安全ならまだしも、危険な方法を新人に勧めるのは無責任です。
If it were safe, that would be one thing, but recommending a dangerous method to newcomers is irresponsible.
安いならまだしも、高い料金を払って質の低いサービスを受けるのは納得できません。
If it were inexpensive, that would be one thing, but I cannot accept paying a high fee to receive low-quality service.
一日遅れるならまだしも、計画を一週間も遅らせるわけにはいきません。
A delay of one day would be one thing, but we cannot delay the plan by as much as a week.
初心者ならまだしも、経験者が同じミスをするのは問題だ。
It would be one thing if they were beginners, but it is a problem for experienced people to make the same mistake.
休日はまだしも、平日に長時間待たされるのは困る。
Waiting for a long time on a weekday is difficult, although waiting on a holiday would be one thing.
安全ならまだしも、危険な方法を新人に勧めるのは無責任だ。
If it were safe, that would be one thing, but recommending a dangerous method to newcomers is irresponsible.
安いならまだしも、高い料金を払って質の低いサービスを受けるのは納得できない。
If it were inexpensive, that would be one thing, but I cannot accept paying a high fee to receive low-quality service.
一日遅れるならまだしも、計画を一週間も遅らせるわけにはいかない。
A delay of one day would be one thing, but we cannot delay the plan by as much as a week.
Example sentences
短時間の停電ならまだしも、丸一日電気が使えないのは困る。
A short power outage would be one thing, but being unable to use electricity for an entire day would be a problem.
少しの遅れならまだしも、予約を取り消されるのは困る。
A slight delay would be one thing, but having the reservation canceled would be a problem.
一度の失敗ならまだしも、同じミスを