JLPT N1 Grammar – Difference between “〜ないまでも” and “〜までもない”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜ないまでも” and “〜までもない”
2. ないまでも
3. までもない
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What’s the difference between “〜ないまでも” and “〜までもない”?
A: “ないまでも” expresses a degree, while “までもない” is used for negation.
ないまでも (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
Even if unable to reach that extent but
Unable to reach a certain extent but
[Usage]
[V] Verb negative form＋までも
[Examples]
彼はプロのシェフとはいかないまでも、同じぐらい料理が上手です。
He’s not a professional chef, but he’s just as skilled at cooking.
給料は十分とは言えないまでも、一人でなんとか生活ができます。
Although the salary isn’t quite enough, I can manage to live on my own.
海外旅行とは言わないまでも、国内旅行ぐらいはしたいなあ。
I wouldn’t say an overseas trip, but I’d like to at least travel within the country.
毎日とは言わないまでも、たまには会いたいです。
I wouldn’t say every day, but I’d like to meet occasionally.
[AないまでもB]
Indicates that A does not reach a certain level, while B is at least close to that state.
[Example]
彼はプロのシェフとはいかないまでも、同じぐらい料理が上手です。
He’s not a professional chef, but he’s just as skilled at cooking.
⇒ Although he’s not at a professional level, his cooking skills are close to that of a professional.
Alternatively, it can indicate a degree of tolerance in the previous clause, with a minimum expectation expressed in the following clause.
[Example]
毎日電話をくれないまでも、せめてメッセージは送ってほしいな。
I don’t expect a phone call every day, but I’d at least like you to send a message.
⇒ Not calling every day is acceptable, but there’s a minimum hope of receiving a message.
までもない (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
①Not worth doing
②No need to do
[Usage]
[V] Verb dictionary form＋までもない
[Examples]
あのレストランは有名なわりにおいしくないから行くまでもないよ。（①）
That restaurant isn’t good despite its fame, so it’s not worth going.
駅はすぐそこなのでタクシーを使うまでもないですよ。（①）
The station is right over there, so there’s no need to take a taxi.
カンニングは悪いことだというのは言うまでもないです。（②）
It goes without saying that cheating is a bad thing.
少しのどが痛むいだけなので、病院に行くまでもありません。（②）
It’s just a slight sore throat, so there’s no need to go to the hospital.
It indicates a low degree of importance or necessity, used when there’s no need or value in doing something.
[Example]
あのレストランは有名なわりにおいしくないから行くまでもないよ。
That restaurant isn’t good despite its fame, so it’s not worth going.
⇒ This suggests that, given the restaurant’s low quality, it’s not worth going.
Additionally, “までもない” is sometimes used to reflect common sense or widely accepted knowledge.
[Example]
カンニングは悪いことだというのは言うまでもないです。
It goes without saying that cheating is a bad thing.
⇒ Cheating is generally considered unethical, so there’s no need to state that it’s “bad.”
Let’s Compare
So, which do you think is more appropriate in the following case?
[Example]
わざわざ食事に行くまでもないよ。
VS
わざわざ食事に行かないまでも。
The correct answer is “までもない.”
After “ないまでも,” there must always be an additional sentence following it.
Let’s try another challenge.
What is the nuance difference in the following cases?
[Example]
①病院に行くまでもない。家でゆっくりすれば治るだろう。
There’s no need to go to the hospital. Resting at home should make you feel better.
VS
②病院に行かないまでも、家でゆっくりすれば治るだろう。
Even if you don’t go to the hospital, resting at home should make you feel better.
In ①, the phrase implies a sense of “it’s too much trouble” or “there’s no need to go out of your way.”
In ②, it expresses a minimal expectation or hope, meaning “at the very least, resting at home should help.”
Adverbs like “intentionally” or “deliberately” (わざわざ・いちいち) and “at least” or “just” (少なくとも・せめて) are also frequently used together to convey these meanings.
Summary
[ないまでも]
- “ないまでも” expresses a situation that does not reach a certain level but is at least close to it.
- It is used to indicate a level of tolerance followed by a minimal expectation.
[までもない]
- Indicates that something is of low importance or necessity, meaning it does not warrant the action.
- It is often used based on common sense, implying that there is no need to say it explicitly.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. までもない
このドラマは本当につまらなかったから、また見るまでもないよ。
This drama was really boring, so it’s not worth watching again.
*”までもない” is correct here because it implies there’s no value in watching it again.
A. しないまでも
毎日、日本語を勉強しないまでも、一週間に三回ぐらいは時間を作りたいです。
Even if I don’t study Japanese every day, I’d like to set aside time about three times a week.
*”しないまでも” is correct because it accepts not studying every day, while expressing a minimum goal.
A. までもない
たろうは元気だろう。わざわざ電話するまでもないよ。
Taro is probably doing fine. There’s no need to go out of my way to call him.
*”までもない” is correct because it means there’s no necessity to call.
A. 来ないまでも
会いに来ないまでも、せめてメッセージぐらいくれたらいいのに。
Even if you don’t come to see me, at least send a message.
*”来ないまでも” is correct as it permits not coming, while expressing a minimum hope of receiving a message.
