JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Even if not ... at least
Category: Limit & Range
The grammar pattern "V（ない形）＋ までも" expresses a sense of compromise or a lower standard being accepted, even if the ideal or high level is not reached. It implies that although something is not perfect or ideal, a certain level or standard is still achieved or expected. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of resignation or acceptance, but also a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nai form | Verb-nai + までも | 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べない (tabenai) |
| Nai form with negative prefix | Negative prefix + Verb-nai + までも | なければならない (nakereba narunai) becomes なくても (nakute mo) |
| Nai form with auxiliary verb | Auxiliary verb + Verb-nai + までも | する (suru) becomes することなくても (suru koto nakute mo) |
プロにはなれないでも、趣味として一生続けたい。
Puro ni wa narenai demo, shumi toshite isshō tsuzuketai.
Even if I won't become a pro, I want to continue it as a hobby for my whole life.
プロにはなれない (I won't become a pro) + でも (even if) + 趣味として (as a hobby) + 一生続けたい (I want to continue it for my whole life)
毎日忙しいでも、せめて週末は家族と過ごしたい。
Mainichi isogashii demo, semete shūmatsu wa kazoku to ayumashitai.
Even if I'm busy every day, I want to spend at least the weekends with my family.
毎日忙しい (I'm busy every day) + でも (even if) + せめて (at least) + 週末 (weekends) + は (topic marker) + 家族と (with my family) + 過ごしたい (I want to spend)
完璧ではなかったでも、合格点は取れるはずだ。
Kansetsu de wa nakatta demo, gōka-teki wa toreru hazu da.
Even if it's not perfect, I'm sure I'll get a passing score.
完璧ではなかった (it's not perfect) + でも (even if) + 合格点 (passing score) + は (topic marker) + 取れる (I'll get) + はずだ (I'm sure)
This pattern is used to express a sense of compromise or a lower standard being accepted, even if the ideal or high level is not reached. It's often used in situations where the speaker is accepting a less-than-ideal situation, but still finding a way to make the best of it. The pattern can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it's more commonly used in informal conversation.
For example, instead of saying "食べるでも (taberu demo)" use "食べないでも (tabenai demo)"
The pattern 'ないでもない' is used to express a sense of refusal or negation, whereas 'V（ない形）＋ までも' is used to express a sense of compromise or a lower standard being accepted.
The pattern 'ないこともない' is used to express a sense of possibility or feasibility, whereas 'V（ない形）＋ までも' is used to express a sense of compromise or a lower standard being accepted.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct nai form of the verb and the correct particle 'でも'. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that have similar meanings.
プロにはなれない______、趣味として一生続けたい。
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