ないまでも
May not … but (at least), Even though not, Even if not
Structure
Noun + ではない(1) + までも + Phrase
(1) じゃない
Explanation
ないまでも is formed by combining the negative form of a verb with the particles まで and も. It is used to mean 'while it may not go as far as (A), at least (B)' or 'even if not (A), (B)'. This expression contrasts an ideal or extreme situation (A) that was not achieved with a lesser, but still noteworthy, situation (B) that was. Its literal meaning is 'not reaching the extent of (A), but...'.
- 優勝はできないまでも、決勝までは進みたい。Even if we can't win the championship, I at least want to make it to the finals.
- 彼のことを愛しているとは言えないまでも、とても好きです。I may not be able to say I'm in love with him, but I do like him a lot.
- 正社員にはなれないまでも、ここで働けるだけで嬉しい。Even though I couldn't become a full-time employee, I'm just happy to be able to work here.
This grammar point can also be attached to nouns. When used with a noun, it takes the form of ではないまでも or, more colloquially, じゃないまでも.
- 毎日ではないまでも、週に一度はジムに行きたい。I want to go to the gym at least once a week, even if it's not every day.
- お金持ちじゃないまでも、借金がないだけありがたい。While I may not be rich, I'm grateful just to be debt-free.
This pattern is adaptable to both favorable and unfavorable contexts. For instance, (A) can represent the best possible result, while (B) is a satisfactory runner-up. Conversely, (A) could be the absolute worst outcome, with (B) being slightly less severe but still quite negative.
Frequently, the second part of the sentence (B) will include expressions of desire, intention, or request, using forms such as たい, てほしい, つもり, てください, and so on.
Examples
このレポートは完璧とは言えないまでも、かなり良くできている。
This report may not be perfect, but it's quite well done.
訴訟を起こさないまでも、正式な謝罪は要求するつもりです。
Even though I won't file a lawsuit, I intend to demand a formal apology at least.
ケン：「あのレストランは町で一番とは言わないまでも、かなりおいしいと思うよ。」
Ken: 'I won't say that restaurant is the best in town, but I think it's pretty delicious.'
朝食を抜くことは即座に病気になるわけではないまでも、長期的には健康に悪い。
Skipping breakfast may not make you sick right away, but it's bad for your health in the long run.
マラソンで優勝はできないまでも、せめて完走はしたいと思っている。
I may not be able to win the marathon, but I at least want to finish the race.
この映画は歴史に残る名作とは呼べないまでも、十分に楽しめる作品だ。
You can't call this movie a timeless masterpiece, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable film.
先生：「全部は理解できないまでも、話の要点だけでも分かりましたか？」
Teacher: ‘Even if you can't understand everything, did you at least grasp the main point of the talk?’
業界トップにはなれないまでも、少なくとも黒字経営を続けたい。
Even though we may not become number one in the industry, we want to at least continue running a profitable business.
音楽教室の先生：「プロの演奏家にはならないまでも、趣味として楽しんでみてはどうですか？」
Music teacher: 'You may not become a professional musician, but why not try enjoying it as a hobby?'
完全に彼を許すことはできないまでも、なぜそうしたのか理解しようとすることはできる。
I may not be able to forgive him completely, but I can at least try to understand why he did it.
上司が部下に：「毎日とは言わないまでも、週に一度くらいは進捗を報告してくれないか。」
Boss to subordinate: ‘I'm not saying every day, but could you at least report your progress about once a week?’
学生同士の会話：「宿題を無くせとは言わないまでも、せめて量を減らしてほしいよね。」
Conversation between students: ‘I'm not saying they should get rid of homework completely, but I wish they'd at least reduce the amount.’
貧困の問題を根絶することはできないまでも、苦しんでいる人たちを助けることはできるはずだ。
Even though we may not be able to eradicate the problem of poverty, we should at least be able to help those who are suffering.