あくまで
あくまで
adverb
to the end; persistently; strictly; only
1.
to the end; persistently
Without giving up; continuing firmly until a goal is achieved.
あくまで自分の意見を通した。
They persistently stuck to their own opinion.
2.
strictly; only; merely
Used to emphasize limitation - that something is limited to a particular scope or purpose.
これはあくまで参考です。
This is strictly for reference.
あくまで個人の見解ですが...
This is strictly my personal opinion, but...
KANJI:
Can be written as 飽くまで, though hiragana is more common.
USAGE PATTERNS:
Sense 1 (persistent):
- あくまで抵抗する (to resist to the end)
- あくまで否定する (to persistently deny)
- あくまで戦う (to fight to the bitter end)
Sense 2 (limitation/qualifier):
- あくまで参考 (strictly for reference)
- あくまで私見ですが (this is just my opinion, but...)
- あくまで目安 (just a guideline)
- あくまで予定 (just a tentative plan)
NUANCE:
In sense 2, often used to disclaim responsibility or soften a statement. Very common in business Japanese to hedge assertions.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- どこまでも - to the end, everywhere
- 断じて - firmly, absolutely