たりとも
(Tari to mo)
not even one / not even a single.
Connection rules
- ＋Number + counter + たりとも + negative. Often 一 + counter + たりとも.
- ＋Emphatic minimum denial — 'not even one'.
- ＋Always with a negative main clause.
Examples
1.
一瞬たりとも油断できない。
Isshun tari to mo yudan deki nai.
I can't let my guard down for even a moment.
「not even one / not even a single」
2.
一円たりとも無駄にしない。
Ichi en tari to mo muda ni shi nai.
I won't waste even a single yen.
「not even one / not even a single」
Practice
I am so thirsty that I won't let a single drop of water go to waste.
喉が渇いて、水を___無駄にはできない。
Romaji also accepted