Phrase (usually used in formal writing and formal speech) (Advanced ㊤ 305)
An adverbial phrase expressing the speaker’s feeling that although an ideal action or state isn’t possible, at least the next best action or state is or should be available.
Equivalent: May not ~ but; even though ~ not; although ~ not
| (i) Vnegative | ないまでも | |
| 行かないまでも | Someone may not go there, but | |
| しないまでも | Someone may not do something, but | |
| (ii) Adjectiveいstemく | ないまでも | |
| よくないまでも | Something may not be good, but | |
| (iii) {Adjectiveなstem/ Noun} | {では/じゃ}ないまでも | |
| 元気{では/じゃ}ないまでも | Someone may not be peppy/healthy, but | |
| 病気{では/じゃ}ないまでも | Someone may not be ill, but |
