Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 6: 10/17

ないでもないKind of, Might, Slightly, It’s not (impossible) that, Somewhat, In some respects

Structure

Verb［ない］+ （もの）+ でも(1) + ない

(1)では

Details

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About ないでもない

ないでもない, and なくもない are structures that have the literal meaning of 'to not not be (A)', and are used to express that something is 'a little (A)', or 'kinda (A)'. These structures are used primarily when the speaker can neither confirm or deny (A), but may also be used simply when not wanting to directly disagree with something that another person has said.

Both ないでもない and なくもない may be used after either the negated form of verbs, or nouns followed by the case marking particle が.

ないでもない and なくもない are completely interchangeable, with the primary difference simply being that なくもない is less frequently used. Additionally, ないものでもない may also be seen, but just like なくもない, it is far less common.

Examples

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    あなたの考(かんが)えが分(わ)からないでもないけど、反対(はんたい)するね。

    I kind of understand what you’re thinking, but I object.

      パクチーは食(た)べられないでもないけどさ、食(た)べるとウッてなるんだよ。

      It’s not that I can’t eat coriander, but if I eat it, I feel like I am gonna hurl.

        この洋服(ようふく)、着(き)られないでもないけど、やっぱりキツイなぁ〜。

        These clothes, it’s not that I can’t wear them, but they really are tight.

        トイレに行(い)きたい気(き)がしないでもないけど、まだ並(なら)ばなくてもいいかな…。

        I kind of feel like going to the toilet, but it’s probably fine if we don’t line up yet...

          このブランドのあのバッグは１０万円(まんえん)？！買(か)えないでもないけど、勇気(ゆうき)が出(で)ないなぁ〜。

          That bag from this brand is $1,000?! It’s not that I can’t buy it, but I can’t muster up the courage to get it.

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