GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜とまではいかない
Indicates that something approaches an assessment but does not reach a sufficient degree to bear that label.
Examples
成功とまではいかないが、手応えのある結果だった。
It was not quite a success, but the result was encouraging.
Words used
完璧とまではいかないが、十分使える。
It is not quite perfect, but it is fully usable.
Words used
高級品とまではいかないが、品質はかなり良い。
It is not quite a luxury item, but the quality is quite good.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
とまではいかないfollows a high assessment or label and says something does not reach the degree needed for that label. - Basic usage:
完璧とまではいかないが、十分使える。judges something fully usable even though it falls short of perfection.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Rejecting a high standard without rejecting all value
成功とまではいかないfalls short of the standard for calling something a success. The following手応えのある結果だったacknowledges a positive result at a lower level.