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〜なりとも

at least (a little), even just

Small amount (少し, 一目, わずか, 多少) + なりとも

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なりとも after a small amount means "even just that much, at least": 少しなりとも、お役に立てれば幸いです, "I'd be glad to be of even a little help".

The amount is modest (少し, わずか, 多少, 一目, 一日) and the second half is a hope or wish: 会いたい, 幸いです, 早く完成させたい, or 探している.

It's formal and humble, and the everyday version is でも: 少しでも, 一目でも. It often pairs with せめて (N2), "at least".

Compare たりとも, which follows 一 + counter with a negative, "not even one". Don't confuse it with なりに (N2), "in its own way".

Examples

  • 少すこしなりとも、お役やくに立たてれば幸さいわいです。

    I'd be glad to be of even a little help.

  • 一目ひとめなりとも会あいたい。

    I want to see her, even if only for a moment.

  • わずかなりとも、寄付きふをしたい。

    I'd like to donate, even just a little.

  • 一日いちにちなりとも早はやく完成かんせいさせたい。

    I want to finish it even one day sooner.

  • 多少たしょうなりとも経験けいけんがある人ひとを探さがしている。

    We're looking for someone with at least some experience.

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