Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 19/23

なくはないIt's not that…, Kind of, might, Slightly, Somewhat, In some respects

なくもない is also acceptable*

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

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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

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    貯金(ちょきん)すれば買(か)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(かた)い木(き)だが、このカンナで削(けず)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(むずか)しそうだが、自分(じぶん)で組(く)み立(た)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(いけん)を考(かんが)えた上(うえ)で、賛成(さんせい)できなくはない。

    After considering that opinion, I can somewhat agree. (Literally - I can't not agree)

    原理(げんり)は分(わ)からなくはないが、すべてを理解(りかい)するのは難(むずか)しい。

    It's not that I don't understand the principle, but comprehending it entirely is difficult.

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