even if not, if not...at least

Advanced

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Presents a minimum acceptable alternative.

[Verb ない form] + までも

完璧にできないまでも、頑張ってみよう。

Kanpeki ni dekinai mademo, ganbatte miyou.

Even if I can't do it perfectly, let's try our best.

大好きとは言えないまでも、嫌いではない。

Daisuki to wa ienai mademo, kirai dewa nai.

Even if I can't say I love it, I don't hate it.

Presents realistic alternative expectations.

～たところで

even if, even though

～とあって

because, since, being that

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

Used for setting minimum standards.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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