たりとも (tari-tomo): Not even a single
～たりとも (tari-tomo)
Meaning
Not even a single
Formation and usage
minimum quantity + たりとも + negative
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Emphasizes rejecting even the smallest amount, commonly one person, second, or yen.
Examples
会議では、一秒たりとも無駄にしたくない。
During the meeting, I do not want to waste even a single second.
試験では、一秒たりとも無駄にしたくない。
During the exam, I do not want to waste even a single second.
研修では、一秒たりとも無駄にしたくない。
During the training session, I do not want to waste even a single second.
発表会では、一秒たりとも無駄にしたくない。
During the presentation event, I do not want to waste even a single second.
面接では、一秒たりとも無駄にしたくない。
During the interview, I do not want to waste even a single second.
How related patterns differ
さえ and すら give extreme examples; たりとも excludes even the smallest amount. はおろか denies a more basic case. どころか counters an expectation; どころではない leaves no room to act. のみ and にすぎない limit things with different emphasis.