Structure
Verb[なくて]+ はない
[い]Adjective[く] + なくはない
[な]Adjective + では(1) + なくはない
Noun + が(2) + なくはない
(1)じゃ
(2)は、に
Details
Register
Standard
About なくはない
Used to express that something is 'slightly (A)', 'somewhat (A)', or 'in some respects (A)' in Japanese is the phrase なくはない. This is comprised of ない in its なく (conjunctive) form connected to either verbs or nouns, は, and ない. The literal meaning of this structure is close to 'it's not that it isn't (A)', and is a type of double negative.
Although preceded mostly by verbs, this structure sometimes appears following nouns. When that is the case, が, は, or sometimes even に may be between なくはない and the noun. Additionally, the は in なくはない is interchangeable with も, with only a slight strengthening of the nuance when も is used.
This structure often appears with the potential form of verbs, in order to show that something is not impossible, despite appearances or what one may think.
Related
Examples
--:--
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
貯金すれば買えなくはない。
If I save, I may be able to buy it. (Literally - I won't not be able to buy it)
かなり固い木だが、このカンナで削れなくはない。
The tree is quite hard, but it's not that it can't be planed with this wood planer.
難しそうだが、自分で組み立てられなくはない。
It looks difficult, but it's not that you can't put it together yourself.
その意見を考えた上で、賛成できなくはない。
After considering that opinion, I can somewhat agree. (Literally - I can't not agree)
原理は分からなくはないが、すべてを理解するのは難しい。
It's not that I don't understand the principle, but comprehending it entirely is difficult.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
ないわけではない、少しはあるという意味の表現
Weblio
なくはない Examples
JapaneseTest4You
Offline
There are no Offline resources listed for 「なくはない」.
You can . Resources are constantly updated, come back later to see new additions!
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.