JLPT N1 grammar

あくまでmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. To the end; persistently A
  2. Strictly/merely A (emphasizing a stance)
  3. Completely A, entirely A

How to form it

  • あくまで（も）verb
  • あくまで（も）nounだ/として
  • あくまで（も）い-adjective/な-adjective (stem)

How it is used

Adverb. ① Persisting to the end (「あくまで反対する」). ② Limiting a statement: 'strictly, only', as in 「あくまで参考です」, common in speech and business. ③ In writing, 'utterly'. 「あくまでも」 is more emphatic.

Examples

  1. 僕は権利のためにあくまで戦う。

    I'll fight to the end for rights.

  2. これはあくまで私個人の意見なので、参考程度に聞いてください。

    This is strictly my personal opinion, so please just take it as a reference.

  3. 空はあくまで青く、海はどこまでも静かだった。

    The sky was utterly blue, and the sea perfectly calm.