GRAMMAR
〜なりとも
even (a little)
at least
Explanation
NOTE
〜なりとも means even a little or at least — it presents a small amount as the minimum that would be welcome.
少しなりとも休んだほうがいい。
You should rest, even a little.
NOTE
It is formal and literary. The speaker hopes for at least a modest amount, often in a request or wish.
一言なりとも連絡がほしかった。
I wanted at least a word of contact.
なりとも often follows a small noun to mark the minimum that would satisfy the speaker.
NOTE
Attach なりとも directly to a noun, usually a noun expressing a small quantity such as 少し or 一言.
STRUCTURE
N辞
なりとも少しなりとも力になりたい。
Sukoshi nari tomo chikara ni naritai.
I want to help, even a little.
一目なりとも彼に会いたい。
Hitome nari tomo kare ni aitai.
I want to see him, even for a glance.
一言なりともお礼を言いたい。
Hitokoto nari tomo orei o iitai.
I want to say thanks, at least a word.
一口なりとも召し上がってください。
Hitokuchi naritomo meshiagatte kudasai.
Please eat at least one bite.
少しなりとも手伝いたいと思います。
Sukoshi naritomo tetsudaitai to omoimasu.
I would like to help, even if it is just a little.
時間が少しなりともあれば、話したいです。
Jikan ga sukoshi naritomo areba, hanashitai desu.
If I have even a little bit of time, I would like to talk.
Practice exercises
1
今日をもってこの計画は終了するが、最後に一言なりとも感想を述べたい。
As of today this project comes to an end, but at the close I'd like to share my impressions, even if just a word.
Answer
なりとも
2
緊急事態はさておき、どうにか解決策の一案なりとも提示してほしい。
Setting the emergency aside, I want you to somehow put forward at least one idea toward a solution.
Answer
なりとも
3
無駄と思われても、少額なりとも寄付を続けたい。
Even if it's seen as pointless, I want to keep donating, even if only a small amount.
Answer
なりとも
4
現状がここまで悪化するに至って、一言なりとも謝罪するべきだ。
Now that the situation has worsened to this point, one should apologize with at least a word.
Answer
なりとも
5
困難な状況でも、微力なりともお役に立ちたい。
Even in a difficult situation, I want to be of help, even if only a little.
Answer
なりとも
6
少しなりとも休んでください。
Please rest, even a little.
Answer
なりとも
7
一言なりとも連絡がほしい。
I want at least a word of contact.
Answer
なりとも
8
一目なりとも娘に会いたい。
I want to see my daughter, even for a glance.
Answer
なりとも