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
Part of Speech
Expression
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Formal
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.
When the speaker wants to express 'not being (A)' rather than 'not doing (A)', ならずとも will follow a noun. This is simply the negated form of the う-Verb なる 'to become'.
Although ずとも is a formal expression, it may occasionally be used sarcastically. Additionally, it is common for ずとも to be followed by 良い. This can be interpreted as 'okay even if not (A)'.
Examples
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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.' (even if you are not on target)
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.'
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.' (even if they do not learn)
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.' (without・even if)
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