Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 5: 18/20

ない～はないThere is not ~ that is not/does not

Structure

Verb［ない］+ Noun + は + ない
［い］Adjective［ない］+ Noun + は + Verb［ない］
［な］Adjective + じゃない(1) + Noun + は + Verb［ない］

(1) ではない

Details

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About ～ない～はない

～ない～はない is an example of a double negative in Japanese, and is a grammar construction that requires careful attention in order not to incorrectly interpret. Both the い-Adjective (形容詞(けいようし)), and auxiliary verb forms of ない may be used in this construction, depending on what type of word is being negated. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Literally, this grammar pattern is very similar to 'there isn't an (A) that doesn't (B)' in English.

Caution

This term is not to to be confused with なくはない, a more advanced grammar pattern which means 'It's not that it isn't (A)'.

Related

Examples

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    本当(ほんとう)に書(か)けない漢字(かんじ)はないの？

    Is there really not a single kanji that you cannot write?

    夢(ゆめ)を見(み)ない人(ひと)はいないだろう。

    There is not a single person who doesn't dream, right?

    紙(かみ)を使(つか)わない会社(かいしゃ)は一(ひと)つもありません。

    There is not a single company that does not use paper.

    あそこのカフェで美味(おい)しくないコーヒーは絶対(ぜったい)ない。

    There is no coffee at that cafe that is not delicious.

    勉強(べんきょう)していない文法(ぶんぽう)はなかったから、テストには合格(ごうかく)しました。

    There was not a single grammar point that I did not study, so I passed the test.

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