GRAMMAR DETAIL
Nだに〜ない
Used with a negative expression to emphasize that not even the smallest expected action or state occurs.
Examples
彼は周囲の忠告を一顧だにしなかった。
He did not give the advice of those around him even a moment's consideration.
Words used
彼は説明を一度だに聞かなかった。
He did not listen to the explanation even once.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Follow a noun with
だにand a negative statement to emphasize in literary language that not even the smallest expected action takes place. - Basic usage:
彼は説明を一度だに聞かなかった。means that he did not listen to the explanation even once.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Meaning and reading of 一顧
一顧is readいっこand means giving something a look or attention.忠告を一顧だにしなかったsays that no consideration at all was given to the advice.
- Distinction from だに after a verb
想像するだに恐ろしいis an affirmative statement: merely imagining it is frightening. In一度だに聞かない,だにcombines with a negative to emphasize the minimum ‘even once.’