Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 16/23

(ほか)ならないNothing but, None other than, Simply

Structure

Noun + ほかならない(1)

(1)ほかなら

Details

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    Formal

About にほかならない

(ほか)ならない is a grammar pattern used with nouns to indicate that something is 'definitely (A)', or 'nothing but (A)'. Other common translations are 'none other than (A)', or 'simply (A)'.

This expression is often used to emphasize statements, reasons, or causes.

Being a combination of the noun (ほか) 'other' and the negated form of the う-Verb なる 'to become'. This phrase literally just states that (A) will not become anything other than what it is, as the given definition is already the most accurate.

Caution

In formal situations, particularly formal writing, (ほか)ならぬ may also sometimes be seen.

Examples

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    (だい)(いち)にすべきは人命(じんめい)にほかなりません

    First and foremost is nothing but living your life.

    (さん)()という結果(けっか)(かれ)実力(じつりょく)にほかならない

    Getting (the result of) 3rd was simply due to his skill.

    結局(けっきょく)(わら)い」というのは()(きら)にほかならない

    In the end, 'laughing' is simply up to your likes and dislikes. (好き嫌い = noun)

    (かれ)があの番組(ばんぐみ)()たのは、宣伝(せんでん)にほかならない

    Him going on that show was simply for publicity.

    通常(つうじょう)事故(じこ)原因(げんいん)はスピード違反(いはん)にほかならない

    The common cause of the accidents is simply people going too fast.

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