ずとも
Even if not, Without, Don't have to
Structure
Noun + ならずとも(1)
1. なる［
Exceptions:
する ￫ せずとも
Explanation
The grammar point ずとも is formed by pairing the classical negative auxiliary verb ず with the conjunction particle とも. This combination expresses that even if action (A) does not occur, result (B) will still happen. Common English translations include 'even without (A), (B)' or 'you don't need to (A) in order to (B)'.
To use ずとも, attach it to the negative stem (ない-stem) of a verb.
- 以前はレシピを見ずとも美味しい料理を作れたのに、最近は何を作っても失敗ばかりだ。I used to be able to make delicious food without even looking at a recipe, but lately, everything I make is a failure.
- 彼が喜んでいることは、わざわざ尋ねずとも表情を見れば明らかだ。You can tell he's happy just by looking at his face, without having to ask.
- ジムに通わずとも健康を維持することは可能だが、友達と一緒に運動したいのでジムに入会した。It's possible to stay healthy without going to a gym, but I joined one because I want to exercise with my friends.
To convey the idea of 'not being (A)' instead of 'not doing (A)', ならずとも is used after a noun. This form comes from the negative of the verb なる, which means 'to become'.
- 芸術家ならずとも、あの絵の素晴らしさは誰にでも分かるだろう。You don't have to be an artist to appreciate the magnificence of that painting.
- 教師ならずとも、子供の気持ちはある程度理解できる。Even if you're not a teacher, you can still understand a child's feelings to some extent.
While ずとも is considered a more formal grammar structure, it can sometimes be employed sarcastically. Furthermore, ずとも is frequently paired with 良い, creating the meaning 'it is fine even if you don't (A)'.
- 明日のテストはとても簡単だと聞いたから、そんなに心配せずとも良いと思うよ。I heard tomorrow's test is very easy, so I think you don't have to worry so much.
Examples
医者：プロの歌手ならずとも、歌が上手な人は魅力的だね。
Doctor: You don't have to be a professional singer; people who are good at singing are just charming, aren't they?
専門家：科学者ならずとも、気候変動の深刻さは誰の目にも明らかでしょう。
Expert: You don't have to be a scientist to see how serious climate change is.
彼は天才なので、特に努力せずとも何でもこなしてしまう。
He's such a genius that he can handle anything without any particular effort.
母親：「そんなに焦らずとも良いのよ。時間はまだたくさんあるから。」
Mother: 'You don't have to rush like that. There is still plenty of time.'
長年の付き合いだから、彼の顔を見ずとも機嫌が悪いのがわかる。
We've known each other for years, so I can tell he's in a bad mood without even seeing his face.
わざわざ高級レストランに行かずとも、おうちで十分おいしいものが食べられますよ。
You can eat plenty of delicious food at home without going out of your way to a fancy restaurant.
店員：こちらの洗濯機は、洗剤を使わずとも汚れが落ちるんです。
Shop assistant: This washing machine gets stains out even without using detergent.
詳しい地図を持たずとも、スマートフォンのアプリがあれば迷うことはないだろう。
As long as you have a smartphone app, you probably won't get lost, even without carrying a detailed map.
妻：「お疲れみたいね。コーヒーでも入れる？」
夫：「ああ、お願いするよ。君は尋ねずとも僕の気持ちがわかるんだな。」
Wife: 'You look tired. Shall I make some coffee?'
Husband: 'Oh, please. You know how I feel without even asking.'
日本人ならずとも、わさびの辛さを好む人は世界中にいる。
There are people all over the world who enjoy the spiciness of wasabi, even if they are not Japanese.
彼ほどのベテランになれば、資料を読まずとも会議の内容が予測できるらしい。
For a veteran like him, he can apparently predict the meeting's content without even reading the materials.
政治家：「わが党の支持者ならずとも、この政策が国民のためになることはご理解いただけるはずです。」
Politician: 'Even if you are not a supporter of our party, I'm sure you can understand that this policy is for the good of the people.'