At a glance
Noun たりとも～ない means "not even one ~". It stresses that not even the smallest unit is allowed or happens. It is formal and strong.
一 + counter + たりとも + negative (～ない / ～てはいけない)
一日たりとも休めない。 I can't take even a single day off.
How to form it
たりとも goes directly after a noun for the smallest unit, usually 一 plus a counter:
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 一 + counter | 一円たりとも、一人たりとも | not even one yen, not even one person |
| 一 + time word | 一日たりとも、一瞬たりとも | not even one day, not even for a moment |
| Set phrase | 何人たりとも | no one at all |
The sentence usually ends in a negative or a prohibition: ～ない, ～できない, ～てはいけない, ～たことがない. The register is formal, used in writing, speeches and serious statements.