あくまでも

JLPT Level: N1
Meanings

To the (bitter) end

Stubbornly

Persistently

Frustratingly insistently (in some contexts)

Usage

あくまでも + Verb (dictionary form)

あくまでも + 形容詞/名詞/動詞の連体形

主語は~として/私は/彼は + あくまでも + 〜だ/です

Explanation
あくまでも expresses a firm, unwavering stance or commitment. It adds a nuance of stubborn persistence or a principled, uncompromising attitude, often in the face of opposition or difficulties. It is not a casual, casual concession; it signals that one’s stance or intention will not be loosened or revised, even if others disagree. It can carry a slight emphasis on personal resolve or the speaker’s strong adherence to a belief or plan. In everyday use, it often appears before verbs or predicates to stress doing something to the very end, or before a claim to underline that the statement reflects the speaker’s firm position (often with slight defensiveness or formality). Typical contexts include: sticking with a plan or belief, insisting on one’s opinion, or clarifying that a judgement is personal/definitive. Examples below illustrate its versatile use.
あくまでも自分の信念を貫く。
あくまでもじぶんのしんねんをつらぬく。

I will persist with my own beliefs to the end.

彼はあくまでも自分の意見を主張した。
かれはあくまでもじぶんのいけんをしゅちょうした。

He stubbornly asserted his own opinion.

彼女はあくまでも諦めない。
かのじょはあくまでもあきらめない。

She does not give up, no matter what.

この計画はあくまでも私の案です。
このけいかくはあくまでもわたしのあんです。

This plan is, after all, my proposal.