Expresses the feeling that although an ideal action or state isn't possible, at least the next best action or state should be available. Even if something can't attain a certain level, at least it is attaining a slightly lower level. It is a nuance of “at least,” or “at the minimum "
I wouldn't say it's used every day, but it's not a rare grammar pattern. As you can see from the sample sentences people have submitted, it essentially means that even if you don't do a thing (although it would be great if that thing were done), something else can/will still happen. So for example, 'Even if you don't clean your room, we're having guests' - 部屋を掃除しないまでも客が来ます - it would be great if the room were cleaned, but even if it's not, the people will still be coming. Does that help?
That helps a lot, thank you for replying!
It seemed like a consturction (if that's the right word) I've seen before a few times, but wasn't too sure because it was tagged N1 level grammar.
The thing with the JLPT levels is that they don't always correspond to how rare they are - I actually once had an acquaintance complain about the JLPT 2級(old-style), saying it was only grammar patterns that you never actually see in everyday life - his example? とともに. I immediately gave him 3 examples of とともに in song lyrics and modern literature to shut him up :P N1 is more advanced, but it doesn't mean you'll never see those terms in regular speech!
4
12 years ago
Report Content
Loading the list
Lv.
Sorry, there was an error on renshuu! If it's OK, please describe what you were doing. This will help us fix the issue.
Use your mouse or finger to write characters in the box.
