even if not
without
don’t have to
Structure
- Verb[
ない] + ず + とも- Noun + なら[
ない] + ず + とも
- Exception
- する → せ ずとも
[AずともB is a formal phrase meaning “even if not A, B.” While it is generally used in writing, some expressions are also fairly common in modern spoken language, especially when it is followed by わかる. 良い is also used in B, meaning “don’t have to”]
硬い