JLPT N1 Grammar
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Even (not even a tiny bit)
Category: Emphasis and Degree
The grammar pattern "数量詞 (最小単位) + たりとも ... ない" is used to emphasize a total negative, indicating that something is not even a tiny bit possible or allowed. It follows the smallest unit of measurement, such as one second, one person, or one drop, to convey a strong sense of negation. This pattern is often used in formal or polite language to express a strong prohibition or impossibility.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun or verb in the nominative form | 数量詞 (最小単位) + たりとも + 形容詞/動詞 + ない | 一秒たりとも休むことがない |
| Noun or verb in the nominative form | 数量詞 (最小単位) + たりとも + ない + こと | 誰たりとも入ることができない |
| Noun or verb in the nominative form | 数量詞 (最小単位) + たりとも + ない + こと + が | 水一滴たりとも汚すことができない |
試験終了まで、一秒たりとも無駄にすることはできない。
Shiken o owari made, ichi-byō tari tomo muda o suru koto ga dekinai.
You cannot waste even a second until the exam is over.
試験終了まで (until the exam is over), 一秒たりとも (even a second), 無駄にすることはできない (cannot waste)
この聖域には、何人たりとも立ち入ることは許されない。
Kono seigi ni wa, nan-nin tari tomo tachi-iru koto wa yurusarenai.
No one is allowed to enter this sacred place.
この聖域には (in this sacred place), 何人たりとも (anyone), 立ち入ることは許されない (is not allowed to enter)
砂漠では、水一滴たりとも粗末に扱ってはならない。
Sahara de wa, mizu ichi-drip tari tomo arisumete wa naranai.
You must not treat even a drop of water carelessly in the desert.
砂漠では (in the desert), 水一滴たりとも (even a drop of water), 粗末に扱ってはならない (must not treat carelessly)
This pattern is used to express a strong sense of negation or prohibition, and is often used in formal or polite language. It is typically used with the smallest unit of measurement, such as one second or one person, to convey a sense of totality. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including in writing and speaking.
Using a large number instead of the smallest unit of measurement can change the meaning of the sentence and make it less emphatic.
Forgetting to end the sentence with a negative verb can make the sentence positive instead of negative.
Confusing this pattern with 'nari' or 'bakari' can change the meaning of the sentence and make it less emphatic.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the smallest unit of measurement and end the sentence with a negative verb. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'nari' or 'bakari' which don't require minimum units.
試験終了まで、一秒______無駄にすることはできない。
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