Structure
Noun + にほかならない(1)
(1) にほかならぬ
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Formal
About にほかならない
に他ならない 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 他 '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, に他ならぬ may also sometimes be seen.
Related
Examples
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第一にすべきは人命にほかなりません。
First and foremost is nothing but living your life.
三位という結果は彼の実力にほかならない。
Getting (the result of) 3rd was simply due to his skill.
結局「笑い」というのは好き嫌いにほかならない。
In the end, 'laughing' is simply up to your likes and dislikes. (好き嫌い = noun)
彼があの番組に出たのは、宣伝にほかならない。
Him going on that show was simply for publicity.
通常の事故の原因はスピード違反にほかならない。
The common cause of the accidents is simply people going too fast.
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Further breakdown and example sentences
JapaneseTest4You
にほかならない in action
NihongoDayByDay
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新完全マスター文法 N2
Page 104
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