BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 15
Structure of ない～はない:
Verb［ない］+ Noun + は + ない
［い］Adjective［ない］+ Noun + は + Verb［ない］
［な］Adjective + じゃない(1) + Noun + は + Verb［ない］
(1) ではない
Details about ない～はない:
～ない～はない is an example of a double negative in Japanese, and is a grammar construction that requires careful attention in order not to incorrectly interpret. Both the い-Adjective (形容詞), and auxiliary verb forms of ない may be used in this construction, depending on what type of word is being negated. Let's take a look at a few examples.
- 彼にはピアノで弾けない曲ない。There is no song that he can't play on the piano.
- 私は美味しくない食べ物は食べない。I don't eat food that does not taste good.
- 彼は安くない靴は買わない。He doesn't buy shoes that aren't cheap.
ない～はない
Usage Notes for ない～はない:
This term is not to to be confused with なくはない, a more advanced grammar pattern which means 'It's not that it isn't (A)'.
- 私に書けない漢字はない。There is no kanji that I cannot write.
- 私は漢字を書けなくはないけど...It's not that I can't write kanji, but…
Synonyms for ない～はない:
ないことには～ない
Unless you do something
ないことはない
Is not impossible, It doesn't mean that it isn't
Example of ない～はない
私の友達の中でピザが好きじゃない 人は一人もいない。
There is not a single person in my group of friends that doesn't like pizza.
この大学で日本語を勉強していない人はいません。
There is not a person who does not study Japanese at this university.
紙を使わない会社は一つもありません。
There is not a single company that does not use paper.
あそこのカフェで美味しくないコーヒーは絶対ない。
At that café, there is absolutely no coffee that is not delicious.
夢を見ない人は居ないだろう。
There is not a single person who doesn't dream, right?
Grammar same lesson
JLPT Practice
Review after tedious theory lessons.
JLPT Mock Test
Let’s see how far you’ve honed your knowledge!
