Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 2: 17/17

ならではUnique to, Only, Impossible if not, Expected only of

Structure

More common patterns:
Noun + ならでは + の + Noun
Noun + ならでは + だ。

Less common patterns:
Noun + ならでは + Verb［できる］［ない］+ Noun

Details

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About ならでは

ならでは is a construction which indicates that something is 'unique to (A)', or 'impossible if not (A)'. While ならでは is usually considered as its own standalone word, it is actually just a combination of the negative-conjunctive form of the the classical copula なり, ならで, with the addition of the adverbial particle は.

ならでは will follow nouns, and the sentence will then usually go on to say what the thing is that is unique to (A).

As seen in the above examples, ならでは will only be used when something is being evaluated positively. As a result of this, it is very common to see in advertising and slogans.

Caution

ならでは may be seen directly before the auxiliary verb だ. In these cases, the thing that is unique to (A) will have been expressed earlier in the sentence, or will be obvious from context.

  • こんな綺麗(きれい)な作品(さくひん)を作(つく)れるのは、藤田(ふじた)さんならではだ。
    Only you, Fujita-san, can create such an amazing piece.
  • 車(くるま)なしで生活(せいかつ)できるのは都会(とかい)ならではだ。
    Only in the city can one live without a car.

Based on the history of ならでは, the structure being the negative-conjunctive form of the copula なり means that it is basically identical in meaning of the more modern でなくては 'if it isn't (A)'.

Examples

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    このクリーミーで且(か)つ重(おも)くない絶品(ぜっぴん)のカルボナーラは地元(じもと)の名店(めいてん)ならではだ。

    This exquisite, creamy, and moreover light carbonara is expected only of a famous shop in our region.

    食品(しょくひん)広告(こうこく)：「おばあさんの手作(てづく)りならではなかなか出(だ)せない味(あじ)だ。」

    Food product advertisement: 'Unique flavor that can only be found in grandma's homemade cooking.' (unique to)

    求人(きゅうじん)のサイト、求人(きゅうじん)情報(じょうほう)：「小(ちい)さいカフェならではの良(よ)さが溢(あふ)れています。」

    Job search website, job information: 'The charm unique to a small cafe is overflowing.'

    広告(こうこく)ポスター：「沖縄(おきなわ)ならではの、普段(ふだん)は見(み)られない透明度(とうめいど)の高(たか)い青(あお)い海(うみ)は必見(ひっけん)だ。」

    A poster ad: 'The extremely clear blue waters that can usually only be seen in Okinawa are a must-see.' (unique to)

    求人(きゅうじん)のサイト、店員(てんいん)コメント：「こうした社風(しゃふう)の良(よ)さは当社(とうしゃ)ならではだと思(おも)います。」

    Job search website, employee comment: 'I think that the good quality of our corporate culture is unique to this company.'

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