なりとも
Even (a little), At least
Structure
Explanation
The expression なりとも, which has its roots in classical Japanese, indicates the smallest possible amount or degree of something. It often implies a sense of concession and is best translated as 'at least' or 'even'. You will mainly encounter it in highly polite or formal situations.
In terms of sentence structure, なりとも always follows a noun.
- どんな助けでもいいので、少しなりとも協力してください。I don't care what kind of help it is, but please cooperate, even just a little.
- 彼は一言なりとも文句を言わずに、仕事を続けた。He continued his work without uttering even a single word of complaint.
This expression can convey a humble or even imploring feeling. Because of this, it is frequently used when making a request.
- 図書館では、わずかなりとも声を出さないようにお願いします。In the library, we ask that you please refrain from making even the slightest noise.
- お忙しいとは存じますが、少しの時間なりともお話を聞いていただけませんか。I know you must be very busy, but would you be willing to listen to me for at least a little while?
Due to its somewhat archaic and rigid feel, なりとも is not something you'll hear frequently in casual, everyday conversations.
- その有名な歌手に、一目なりともお会いしたいものです。I'd love to meet that famous singer, even if it's just for a glimpse.
- 何か手伝えることがあれば、微力なりとも協力させてほしいな。If there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to contribute, however small my contribution might be.
Examples
来られないなら、電話なりともくれればよかったのに。
If you weren't able to come, you could have at least given me a call.
明日までには、お返事なりともいただきたいです。
I would like to receive at least a reply by tomorrow.
一口なりとも食べてみて。私が作ったんだから。
Just try at least one bite. I made it myself, you know.
微力なりとも、プロジェクトの成功に貢献したいです。
I want to contribute to the project's success, even if it's only in a small way.
忙しいのは分かっていたけど、一声なりともかけてほしかった。
I know you were busy, but I wish you had at least offered a word of help.
出発する前に、彼女の顔を一目なりとも見たかった。
I wanted to see her face at least for a moment before she departed.
少額なりとも、ご寄付いただけると大変助かります。
It would be a great help if you could donate, even a small amount.
何か私にできることなりともあれば、遠慮なく言ってください。
If there's at least something I can do, please don't hesitate to tell me.
去り際に、お辞儀なりともしてくれたら印象が違ったのに。
My impression of him would have been different if he had at least given a bow on his way out.
今週中に、現状の進捗なりともご報告いただけますでしょうか。
Would you be able to report at least the current progress by the end of this week?
帰る前に、一杯なりとも付き合ってよ。
Join me for at least one drink before you go home.
答えを教えてくれないなら、ヒントなりともください。
If you won't tell me the answer, at least give me a hint.
結果は問わないから、努力する姿なりとも見せてほしい。
I don't care about the result, so I want you to at least show me that you're trying.
主役なんだから、パーティーに顔なりとも出してくれたら嬉しいんだけど。
Since you're the guest of honor, I'd be happy if you could at least show your face at the party.
あれだけお世話になったのだから、お礼の言葉なりとも言うべきだった。
After all the help he gave you, you should have at least said a word of thanks.