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～Tari Tomo: Not Even (the Smallest Amount)

Learn tari tomo for "not even the smallest amount" — strong emphasis. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn tari tomo for "not even the smallest amount" — strong emphasis.
  • Form and connection: [最小数量词] たりとも
  • Nuance in real use: たりとも is one of the most thorough negations in Japanese — it draws the line at the smallest unit, telling you "not even this much is excepted."

Form and connection

[最小数量词] たりとも

Core Explanation

Learn tari tomo for "not even the smallest amount" — strong emphasis.

Cultural Note

たりとも is one of the most thorough negations in Japanese — it draws the line at the smallest unit, telling you "not even this much is excepted."

Practical examples

I can't waste even a single minute.
I won't waste even one yen.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[最小数量词] たりとも
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI can't waste even a single minute.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer一円いちえんたりとも無駄むだにしない。 ([最小数量词] たりとも)

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