Grammar › Emphasis & Exclusivity
なりとも — “even just, if only”
Asks for or offers the bare minimum, when the full ideal isn't available
Noun (often a small quantity, like 少し or 一言) + なりとも asks for or grants even a minimal amount as being better than nothing — “even just X (would help).” It's formal and humble in tone, often used when making a modest request.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + なりとも | 少しなりとも力になりたい — I want to help even just a little |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 一言なりとも、お礼を言わせてください。 | ひとことなりとも、おれいをいわせてください。 hitokotonaritomo、oreiwoiwasetekudasai。 | Please let me say at least a word of thanks. |
| わずかなりとも、お役に立てれば幸いです。 | わずかなりとも、おやくにたてればさいわいです。 wazukanaritomo、oyakunitaterebasaiwaidesu。 | I'd be glad if I could be of even the slightest help. |
| 少額なりとも、寄付をさせていただきます。 | しょうがくなりとも、きふをさせていただきます。 shougakunaritomo、kifuwosaseteitadakimasu。 | I'd like to make a donation, even a small one. |
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Watch out
なりとも is formal and humble — it's mainly used when the speaker is offering or requesting a modest amount out of politeness, not as a general substitute for でも in casual speech.