〜たりとも
not even one ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜たりとも” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たりとも」 means "not even one ~". Structure: Counter + たりとも. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1一日たりとも採決を怠らなかった。
いちにち たり と も さいけつ を おこたらなかった。
ichinichi tari to mo saiketsu o okotaranakatta.
Not even for a single day did we neglect the vote.
Shopping & services
Example 2一日たりとも買収を怠らなかった。
いちにち たり と も ばいしゅう を おこたらなかった。
ichinichi tari to mo baishuu o okotaranakatta.
Not even for a single day did we neglect the acquisition.
Everyday life
Example 3一日たりとも志願を怠らなかった。
いちにち たり と も しがん を おこたらなかった。
ichinichi tari to mo shigan o okotaranakatta.
Not even for a single day did we neglect the volunteering.
Everyday life
Example 4一日たりとも転載を怠らなかった。
いちにち たり と も てんさい を おこたらなかった。
ichinichi tari to mo tensai o okotaranakatta.
Not even for a single day did we neglect the reprinting.
Everyday life
Example 5一日たりとも滞納を怠らなかった。
いちにち たり と も たいのう を おこたらなかった。
ichinichi tari to mo tainou o okotaranakatta.
Not even for a single day did we neglect the payment arrears.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Not even for a single day did we neglect the vote.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たりとも.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.