At a glance
Verb ないまでも means "even if not to the extent of X, at least Y". The first part is a higher level that is not reached. The second part is a lower level that is still hoped for or achieved.
Verb ない-form + までも、[lower level]
毎日とは言わないまでも、週に一度は運動したほうがいい。 Even if not every day, you should exercise at least once a week.
How to form it
Take the plain negative (ない form) of the verb and add までも.
| Verb group | Dictionary form | ないまでも form |
|---|---|---|
| う-verb | 言う | 言わないまでも |
| る-verb | 食べる | 食べないまでも |
| する | する | しないまでも |
| 来る | 来る | 来ないまでも |
| Potential | できる | できないまでも |
Two very common set phrases:
- ～とは言わないまでも: "though I wouldn't go so far as to call it ～"
- ～とまではいかないまでも: "even if it doesn't reach the level of ～"