までも
(Made mo)
even if not quite X / not necessarily X, but at least.
Connection rules
- ＋V ない + までも.
- ＋Hedging concession — falling short of X but reaching Y.
- ＋Often paired with せめて ('at least') in the main clause.
Examples
1.
完璧とは言わないまでも、かなりよくできている。
Kanpeki to wa iwa nai made mo, kanari yoku deki te iru.
I wouldn't call it perfect, but it's done quite well.
「even if not quite X / not necessarily X, but at least」
2.
毎日とは言わないまでも、週に一度は運動したい。
Mainichi to wa iwa nai made mo, shuu ni ichi do wa undou shi tai.
Not every day, but at least once a week I'd like to exercise.
「even if not quite X / not necessarily X, but at least」
Practice
Even if you don't pass, at least you should try to do your best until the end.
___、せめて最後まで全力を尽くすべきだ。
Romaji also accepted