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〜ないまでも

even if not (quite), at least

Verb ない-form + までも

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ないまでも sets a high standard aside and asks for a lower one instead: 毎日とは言わないまでも、週に一度は運動したい, "not every day, perhaps, but I'd like to exercise at least once a week".

The first half is the ideal or the extreme, and the second half is a more modest level that you want, expect or demand. The second half often has せめて (N2), ぐらいは, or は.

Common shapes are 〜とは言わないまでも ("I won't go as far as saying"), 〜はできないまでも, and 〜ではないまでも.

Compare なくても, "even without", which doesn't set up a lower target. ないまでも is always "not X, but at least Y".

Examples

  • 毎日まいにちとは言いわないまでも、週しゅうに一度いちどは運動うんどうしたい。

    Not every day, perhaps, but I'd like to exercise at least once a week.

  • 優勝ゆうしょうはできないまでも、三位さんいには入はいりたい。

    Even if we can't win, I'd like us to make the top three.

  • 完璧かんぺきではないまでも、合格点ごうかくてんは取とれるはずだ。

    It may not be perfect, but it should get a pass mark.

  • 謝あやまらないまでも、説明せつめいぐらいはすべきだ。

    He doesn't have to apologise, but he should at least explain.

  • 手伝てつだわないまでも、邪魔じゃまはしないでほしい。

    If you won't help, at least don't get in the way.

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