GRAMMAR DETAIL
たりとも〜ない
Strongly indicates that not even the smallest unit is allowed as an exception.
Examples
締め切り前は一分たりとも無駄にできない。
Before the deadline, we cannot waste even a single minute.
Words used
この資料は一文字たりとも変えてはいけない。
Not even a single character in this document may be changed.
Words used
救助活動では一秒たりとも無駄にできない。
In rescue operations, not even a single second can be wasted.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
たりともto a minimal quantity and follow it with negation or prohibition to strongly exclude even one exception. - Basic usage:
この資料は一文字たりとも変えてはいけない。means that not even one character in the document may be changed.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Negation extending to a single unit
一分たりとも無駄にできないallows no waste even of the small unit of one minute. Unlikeたり〜たりする, which lists actions, this construction pairs a quantity with a negative.