This means "even if not X, at least Y." You use it when you cannot do something big (X) but you can do something small (Y).
This means "even if not X, at least Y." You use it when you cannot do something big (X) but you can do something small (Y).
Even if you can't finish all the work, please at least report your progress.
Even if I couldn't win the championship, at least I didn't lose in the first round.
Even if I don't cook for myself every day, I at least try to eat a proper breakfast.
Even if it does not completely solve the problem, it is expected to be a step towards a solution.
Even if we can't meet frequently, I'm happy just hearing your voice on the phone.
This phrase sets a basic rule. It means "at least this much." You might not reach your big goal. But you can still do a small part.
This is like 〜(は)しないまでも. But 〜ないまでも works with many verbs. 〜(は)しないまでも only uses the verb する. It is also different from 〜とは言わないまでも. That phrase is about a quality or state. This phrase is about an action.
Don't use this at the end of a sentence. For example, you cannot say "食べないまでも。"
Kumi's KMT system tracks your mastery across kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and reading. Create a free account to use it on 220,000+ concepts.