Structure
Verb[ない]+ ず + とも
Noun + ならずとも(1)
1. なる[ない] + ず + とも
Exceptions:
する → せずとも
Details
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Formal
使用域
硬い
About ずとも
When combined with the classical auxiliary verb ず (used for negation), the conjunction particle とも 'even if' implies that regardless of the hypothetical situation of (A), (B) still applies. This often translates as 'even if not (A), (B)', or 'don't have to (A) to (B)'.
ずとも will appear attached to the ない-stem of verbs.
ずとも will appear attached to the ない-stem of verbs.
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昔は練習せずとも新しい曲を完璧に弾けたのに、今となってはどんだけ練習しても上手く弾けないいんだよな。I used to be able to play new music without any practice, but now I can't play well no matter how much I practice.
- あなたが今ものすごく落ち込んでいるということは聞かずともわかりますよ。I can tell that you are very upset without even asking.
- 日本に留学せずとも、日本語を習得する方法はあるが、日本に行って勉強する方が楽しそうだから私は日本に留学したいです。I know that there are ways to study Japanese without studying abroad in Japan, but I am going to Japan because it seems fun to study there.
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専門家ならずとも、彼は政治について色々と知っている。Even though he is not an expert, he knows alot about politics.
- 親ならずとも子育てが大変だということは見てわかるはずだ。You don't have to be a parent to see that parenting is hard work.
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来週の試合の相手はあの弱いチームだから、そんなに練習せずとも良いだろう。Next week's game is against that weak team, so we won't have to practice so much.
Examples
久しぶりに会った友達の話、まさお:「こんな可愛い女の子とどういう関係だ? まさかガールフレンドか?」
あおしま:「まあ、当たらずとも遠からずなんだよ。我が妻だ。」Chat with friends who met after a long time, Masao: 'What is your relationship with such a cute girl? Don't tell me she is your girlfriend?'
Aoshima: 'Well... Even if you're not spot on, you are close. She's my wife.'当たらずとも遠からず is a set expression meaning 'near the mark'.
妹:「でも、どうやってわかった?」
兄:「家族だから言わずともわかる。」Younger sister: 'But, how did you know?'
Older brother: 'We are a family, so I understand you even if you don't say anything.'ゲーム評論:「RPGゲームファンならずとも、ウィッチャー3に興味をひかれずにはいられません。」
Game review: 'Even if I am not an RPG fan, I cannot help but be captivated by Witcher 3.'
Noun + ならずとも is generally less common than でなくとも.
記事:「アメリカ人とイギリス人は他の言語を学ばずとも生きられる言語環境に居ます。」
Article: 'Americans and Brits are in a language environment where they can live without learning other languages. '
時代小説、瀕死の親:「わたしの身の心配などせずとも良い。我が娘よ。」
A historical novel, dying parent: 'You don't have to worry about me. My dear daughter.'
ずともよい is nowadays less common than なくてもいい, but it can still be seen in historical novels.
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