〜たりとも (tari tomo)

JLPT N1 Not even one ~.

Meaning

“Not even a single ~.” Emphatic total negation of even the smallest amount. Formal.

Formation

一 + counter + たりとも + (negative)

Examples

試験中は、一分たりともむだにできない。

Shiken-chū wa, ippun tari tomo muda ni dekinai. — During the exam, not even a single minute can be wasted.

一円たりともむだにしたくない。

Ichi-en tari tomo muda ni shitaku nai. — I don't want to waste even a single yen.

一日たりとも君を忘れたことはない。

Ichinichi tari tomo kimi o wasureta koto wa nai. — Not for a single day have I forgotten you.

How it works

It takes 一 + counter (one of the smallest possible units) and negates even that, for strong emphasis. The sentence is always negative.

It's formal, emphatic language — common in speeches, rules, and dramatic statements.

Compared with similar expressions

• 〜たりとも — “not even one ~,” one-unit + negative, formal

• 〜も〜ない — “not even ~,” everyday emphasis

• 少しも〜ない — “not at all,” general negation

Common mistakes

• Use it with 一 + counter: 一人たりとも, 一度たりとも.

• The predicate must be negative.

Related grammar

• 〜も〜ない — not even ~

• 少しも〜ない — not at all

• 〜すら — even ~