JLPT N1 grammar

〜ないまでもmeaning and usage

Meaning

Even if A isn't done, (at least) B is/should be

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form)までも
  • nounとは言わないまでも

How it is used

'Even if not as far as A, at least B': A is the higher degree, B a lower but still meaningful one, often a wish, advice or a duty. Different from 「〜までもない」 ('no need to').

Examples

  1. 君の部屋に本が多すぎるよ。捨てろとは言わないまでも片付けたら？

    There are too many books in your room. Not to say throw them away, but how about tidying them up?

  2. 全部は覚えられないまでも、よく使う言葉ぐらいは覚えておきたい。

    Even if I can't learn every word, I want to at least know the common ones.

  3. プロとは言わないまでも、兄の料理の腕はかなりのものだ。

    I wouldn't call him a professional, but my brother is a very good cook.

About the example 1. Even if one does not go so far as to do A, at least B