JLPT N1
たりとも~ない
Not even (one)
Structure
Number/Noun たりとも~ない
How it works
This grammar point is used to emphasize that even a very small amount, unit, or quantity is absolutely not allowed, possible, or present. It is typically used with the smallest units of measurement, such as one grain, one drop, or one second, to create a strong, formal negation.
Examples
試験中は一秒たりとも無駄にはできない。
During the exam, you cannot waste even a single second.
彼は他人から一円たりとも借金をしたことがない。
He has never borrowed even a single yen from others.
この水筒の水は一滴たりとも残してはいけない。
You must not leave even a single drop of water in this canteen.
Common mistakes
Do not use 'たりとも' with large numbers; it is almost exclusively paired with the number 'one' (一) plus a counter to emphasize the smallest unit.
Tip
Think of this as a much more formal and emphatic version of 'も...ない'. It is frequently used in spiritual, professional, or high-stakes contexts.
More JLPT N1 grammar
See たりとも~ない in real Japanese
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