N1105/186

なりとも

N + なりともA/Adj + なりとも (after plain form)Pronoun/phrase + なりとも (in fixed expressions)

Meanings

  • Even a little
  • At least
  • Not less than (used for emphasis)

About this pattern

Explanation

なりとも is a very formal, emphatic expression meaning “even a little” or “at least.” It is used to stress that even the smallest amount, time, effort, or amount of something is noteworthy or should be considered. It often appears in requests, appeals, or admonitions where the speaker wants to emphasize the minimum threshold. It is more literary or formal than everyday casual expressions.

Learn in context

Example sentences

たとえ一円なりとも寄付してほしい。

I want you to donate, even if it’s just one yen.

その約束は、金額がいくらであっても一円なりとも守らねばならない。

No matter the amount, we must keep even a single yen of that promise.

難局を乗り切るには、多少なりとも協力が必要だ。

To get through the crisis, some amount of cooperation is necessary.