N182/187

ずとも

Verb (ない-stem) + ずともVerb (ない-stem) + ずとも + よい / かまわない / いい (optional following expression)

Meanings

  • Even if not
  • Without
  • Don't have to

About this pattern

Explanation

ずとも is a literary or formal expression meaning “even if (one) does not …” or “without …; need not …”. It attaches to the negative form of a verb (the ない form) to indicate that the following situation can be true or the action is not required, even when the first clause does not happen. It tends to sound more formal or written than the everyday ても/なくても forms. Typical usage includes stating that something is unnecessary or that another outcome occurs regardless of the negated action. Example sentences show it after verb bases in ない form, often with subsequent phrases like よい, かまわない, or the rest of the sentence clarifying the consequence.