At a glance
Noun なりとも means "even just a little" or "at least". It stresses that even a small amount is wanted or offered. It is formal and used mostly in writing and polite speech.
Noun (small amount) + なりとも
Question word + なりとも
少しなりともお役に立ちたいです。 I'd like to be of help, even just a little.
How to form it
なりとも does not change form. It attaches directly to the word before it:
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Noun of a small amount | 一目なりとも、一言なりとも | even a glimpse, even a word |
| Quantity word | 少しなりとも、多少なりとも | even a little, at least somewhat |
| Question word | 何なりとも、どこへなりとも | anything at all, anywhere at all |
Register: formal. It sounds stiff in casual conversation.