JLPT N0・N1 Grammar – Difference between “〜なりとも” and “〜だけでも”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜なりとも” and “〜だけでも”
2. 〜なりとも
3. 〜だけでも
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similer Articles
8. Comment
Q: What’s the difference between “〜なりとも” and “〜だけでも”?
A: Both are used to express “the minimum amount,” but they differ in formality and the speaker’s attitude.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
〜なりとも (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
Even a little; even the slightest amount
[Rule]
[N] Noun + なりとも
[Examples]
人々の苦しみが、いささかなりとも癒えることを願っています。
I hope that people’s suffering can be eased, even if only a little.
わずかなりとも、プロジェクトに貢献できて嬉しい限りです。
I’m truly glad that I was able to contribute, even in the slightest way, to the project.
“なりとも” is a somewhat formal, literary expression used to express the speaker’s hope or wish based on a minimum condition. It is often paired with abstract words.
[Examples]
彼の気持ちは多少なりとも理解できます。
I can understand his feelings, even if only a little.
⇒ This shows a thoughtful attitude—the speaker wants to understand the feeling, even just a bit.
一円なりとも無駄に使ってはいけない。
You must not waste even a single yen.
⇒ This expresses a strong sense of responsibility: even the smallest amount of money should not be wasted.
〜だけでも (JLPT N0)
[Meaning]
At the very least / Even just the condition of ～
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + だけでも
[N] Noun + だけでも
[Examples]
せめて話だけでも聞いてほしいです。
I just want you to at least listen to me.
1000円だけでも貸してくれないかな。
Could you lend me even just 1,000 yen?
“〜だけでも” is an expression used to present a minimum condition, conveying the feeling that “even just that is enough” or “it would be appreciated.”
Unlike “〜なりとも,” it is colloquial and commonly used in everyday conversation.
[Examples]
午前のうちに洗濯だけでもしてしまおう。
Let’s at least get the laundry done in the morning.
⇒ This shows a positive attitude—doing just the laundry is considered enough.
この案に目を通すだけでもしていただけませんか。
Could you at least take a quick look at this proposal?
⇒ This expresses a polite request, showing appreciation even for a brief glance, especially considering the person is busy.
Let’s Compare
There are several differences between “〜なりとも” and “〜だけでも,” but the most significant is how the speaker’s feelings are expressed.
[Example]
◯ 一目なりとも会いたいです。
I would like to see you, even if only for a moment.
⇒ This expresses a modest wish or hope, such as “I’d be happy just to see you briefly.”
◯ 一目だけでも会いたいです。
I want to see you, even just for a moment.
⇒ This conveys gratitude or satisfaction, meaning “Even a single glance would be enough and deeply appreciated.”
In this way, “〜なりとも” emphasizes a hope to see someone, even a little, while “〜だけでも” highlights that even the chance to see someone would be enough—a subtle but important difference in the speaker’s tone.
Now, let’s look at how to distinguish between “〜なりとも” and “〜だけでも.”
[Example]
◯ 彼の気持ちは多少なりとも理解できます。
I can understand his feelings, even if only a little.
× 彼の気持ちは多少だけでも理解できます。
“〜なりとも” is originally a subordinating particle used to indicate a hypothetical or non-specific matter.
Therefore, it pairs well with abstract expressions like “多少” (somewhat), and sounds natural in such contexts.
On the other hand, “〜だけでも” is more commonly used with concrete quantities or defined ranges, and is well-suited to express the idea that “even just this much is enough.”
[Example]
× 今日はこの宿題なりとも終わらせよう。
◯ 今日はこの宿題だけでも終わらせよう。
Let’s at least finish this homework today.
⇒ “This homework” is a concrete object, so combining it with “だけでも” feels more natural.
In summary:
Use “なりとも” with abstract words, and “だけでも” with concrete words—this is the key point for choosing the correct expression.
Summary
[〜なりとも]
- A literary and somewhat formal expression.
- It presents a minimum condition and expresses the speaker’s hope or wish.
- Often used with hypothetical or abstract words, and rarely used with specific or limited items.
[〜だけでも]
- A colloquial expression used in a wide range of everyday situations.
- It expresses a positive feeling that “even just that is enough” or “appreciated.”
- Commonly used with concrete terms such as quantities or specific ranges.
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. だけでも
弊社の社名だけでも覚えてくださると嬉しいです。
I’d be happy if you could at least remember our company name.
*This expresses the feeling that “even just remembering the name is appreciated,” so “だけでも” is appropriate.
A. なりとも
わずかなりとも誤解が生じるのは避けたいものです。
I want to avoid even the slightest misunderstanding.
*Since “slight” is an abstract expression and is followed by the speaker’s wish, “なりとも” is appropriate.
A. なりとも
節約のため一円なりとも無駄にできない。
For the sake of saving money, I can’t afford to waste even a single yen.
*Although “one yen” is a specific amount, the sentence conveys a strong intention or desire not to waste even that, so “なりとも” is appropriate.
A. だけでも
時間がないけどせめてジュースだけでも飲んでおこう。
I don’t have much time, but I’ll at least drink some juice.
*This is a casual, everyday situation, and “juice” is a concrete item, so “だけでも” fits naturally.
Similer Articles
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