ないまでもEven if not to the point of
ないまでも concedes that a high standard may not be reached, then states a lower level that is still true, attainable, or required. The two levels must form a clear scale.
How the scale works
Put the harder, stronger, or more desirable benchmark first. After conceding that this level may not be reached, give a lower but still meaningful result or goal. The second clause is not an unrelated contrast: it is the fallback point on the same scale.
Actual results and realistic minimums
The second clause may report what was actually achieved or state the minimum that should be achieved.
病気は完治しないまでも、日常生活に支障がない程度まで回復した。
The illness did not completely resolve, but recovery progressed far enough that it no longer interfered with daily life.
Analyze全員が賛成しないまでも、少なくとも議論を続けられる合意点は見つけたい。
Even if unanimous agreement is out of reach, I would at least like to find common ground that lets the discussion continue.
Analyze内容を完全に理解できないまでも、せめて重要な用語は確認しておいてください。
Even if you cannot understand the material completely, please at least check the key terms in advance.
AnalyzeDenying a stronger label
With a noun, the expansion とは言わないまでも means that the stronger label would be too much, while a more modest description still applies.
高級品とは言わないまでも、長く使えるだけの品質はある。
I would not call it a luxury product, but it is well made enough to last.
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一流とは言わないまでも、専門家に見せても恥ずかしくない仕上がりだ。
I would not call it first-rate, but the finished work is good enough to show to a professional without embarrassment.
Analyze売り上げが前年を上回らないまでも、同じ水準は維持したい。
Even if sales do not exceed last year's, we want to maintain the same level.
Analyze問題を完全に解決できないまでも、悪化を防ぐ手立ては講じるべきだ。
Even if the problem cannot be solved completely, steps should be taken to prevent it from getting worse.
Analyze毎日とは言わないまでも、週に三回は運動したい。
I would not insist on every day, but I would like to exercise three times a week.
Analyze国際的な賞を取れないまでも、国内で評価される作品にしたい。
Even if it does not win an international award, I want to make it a work that earns recognition at home.
Analyze原因を特定できないまでも、可能性の高い要因は絞り込めた。
The cause could not be identified, but the likely factors were narrowed down.
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