N1 Addition and Emphasis (Particles)

~なりとも: meaning, usage and examples

~なりとも means: even just a little / at least...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 何なにか私わたしにできることがあれば、微力びりょくなりとも協力きょうりょくします。

   If there's anything I can do, I'll help, even if just in a small way.

2. 一目ひとめなりとも、彼かれに会あいたかった。

   I wanted to see him, even just for a glance.

3. 少すこしなりとも、被災ひさい地ちの役やくに立たちたい。

   I want to help the disaster area, even in a small way.

4. 今日きょうの話はなしが、多少たしょうなりともお役やくに立たてば幸さいわいです。

   I hope today's talk has been of at least some help to you.

When to use it

Means "even if only a little" or "at least". The speaker modestly hopes for or offers something small. Example: 少すこしなりともお役やくに立たてればうれしいです (I would be glad to be of help, even a little). Common in polite offers, wishes and the closing remarks of a speech or letter.

Nuance

Formal and humble, typical of speeches, letters and polite requests. Followed by a wish, hope or offer (たい, ば幸さいわいです, します), not a negative. 多少たしょうなりとも and 少すこしなりとも are by far the most common.

Compare

～たりとも goes with negatives: 一いち円えんたりとも無駄むだにしない. ～なりとも goes with positive wishes: 多少たしょうなりとも役やくに立たちたい. ～だけでも is the everyday equivalent: 少すこしだけでも手伝てつだいたい. ～なり～なり is a different pattern that lists suggestions: 電話でんわなりメールなり連絡れんらくして.

Tip: Pair なりとも with hopes and offers (たい, ば幸さいわい) and たりとも with negatives (ない, ならない). The sounds are close; the directions are opposite.