📘 Meaning
The expression ～たりとも is used to strongly deny something, even the smallest amount or unit. It means “not even one…” or “not even for a moment….” It is often used in written or formal language to express strict conditions or strong prohibition.
It is typically used with very small units like one minute, one yen, one drop, one person, etc.
🧱 Formation
- Number + counter + たりとも + negative form of the verb
Note: This pattern is always followed by a negative expression.
📝 Examples
- 一日たりとも無駄にはできない。
I can’t waste even a single day. - 一滴たりとも水を無駄にしてはいけない。
Not even a single drop of water should be wasted. - 一瞬たりとも気を抜いてはいけない。
You can’t let your guard down even for a moment. - 一人たりとも欠席は許されない。
Not even one person is allowed to be absent. - この文書は、一字たりとも変更してはならない。
This document must not be changed, not even one character.
🆚 Comparison with Similar Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ～たりとも | Not even one… | High (formal) | 一秒たりとも油断できない。 |
| ～も～ない | Not even… | Medium | 一円も無駄にできない。 |
| ～さえ～ない | Not even… | Medium | 彼は挨拶さえしない。 |
| ～すら～ない | Not even… | High (literary) | 名前すら知らない。 |
📝 Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks using ～たりとも:
- During this mission, _________ must not be mistaken. (一度)
- He trains every day, and _________ has never missed. (一日)
- This document is classified. _________ must not be leaked. (一行)
- The exam is coming soon. _________ cannot be wasted. (一分)
- No one _________ is allowed to enter this room. (一人)
✅ Answers
- 一度たりともミスは許されない。
- 一日たりとも休んだことがない。
- 一行たりとも見逃してはいけない。
- 一分たりとも無駄にできない。
- 一人たりとも入ってはいけない。
Looking for more JLPT N1 grammar? Explore our full grammar list here.
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