Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 5: 20/20

(すく)なくないQuite a few, Quite a lot, Many, Not a few, Not a little

Structure

Noun + (1) + (すく)なくない

(1)

Details

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About すくなくない

Another expression that utilizes the (すく) kanji (meaning 'few'), in its い-Adjective form, is (すく)なくない. This is an example of a double negative in Japanese, as (すく)ない 'a few' is being negated in (すく)なくない. Therefore, the meaning is 'not a few', and translates more closely to 'quite a few', or 'quite a lot'.

To use this expression, simply pair a noun with , , or , and then follow it with (すく)なくない (or (すく)なくありません).

Caution

The ない in (すく)ない is not the い-Adjective ない, but part of the word (すく)ない itself. There are several い-Adjectives like this in Japanese, and they will need to be remembered.

  • 今年(ことし)去年(きょねん)よりも(あめ)()()(すく)ない
    Compared to last year, there are fewer days with rain this year.
  • 天気(てんき)(わる)(とき)()()のは(あぶ)
    It is dangerous to go fishing when the weather's bad.
  • ()(きたな)から()(あら)
    My hands are dirty so I will wash them.

Examples

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    アニメ漫画(まんが)()(ひと)(すく)なくないです

    There are quite a few people that like anime and manga.

    ハセガワ:「(ぼく)友達(ともだち)(すく)なくない。」

    Hasegawa: 'I have quite a few friends.'

    (あさ)ごはん()べない(ひと)(すく)なくないです

    There are quite a few people who do not eat breakfast.

    そう(おも)ている(ひと)(すく)なくない

    Quite a few people think like that.

    彼女(かのじょ)()しがっているもの(すく)なくないんだ

    There are many things that she wants.

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      すくなくない – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

      • kimietsuka

        kimietsuka

        I would love to know the answer to this too!

      • IcyIceBear

        IcyIceBear

      • RadicalC

        RadicalC

        I feel like ive heard 結構ある more often than 少なくない。
        What would you say the difference between the two is.

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