「〜なくはない」- Partial Negation

Explanation

In Japanese, 〜なくはない is a grammatical structure used to express partial negation, meaning "not entirely... but..." This expression is used to indicate that something is not completely impossible, but it is also not entirely certain.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜なくはない	Negative form of verbs/い-adjectives/Noun stem + なくはない	Used to express partial negation, indicating possibility or tendency

Basic Usage and Examples

〜なくはない is used to express a certain possibility or tendency, where the speaker does not entirely affirm something but also does not completely deny it.

• Verbs: Negative form of verbs + なくはない

  • 行いかなくはないなくはないが、今日きょうは気分きぶんが乗のらない。
  • Ika naku wa nai ga, kyou wa kibun ga noranai.
  • It's not that I won't go, but I'm just not in the mood today.
    

• い-Adjectives: Negative form of い-adjectives + なくはない

  • この料理りょうりは美味おいしくなくはないなくはないが、特別とくべつではない。
  • Kono ryouri wa oishiku naku wa nai ga, tokubetsu de wa nai.
  • This dish isn't exactly bad, but it's nothing special.
    

• Nouns: Noun stem + で + なくはない

  • 彼かれは天才てんさいでなくはないなくはないが、努力どりょくもしている。
  • Kare wa tensai de naku wa nai ga, doryoku mo shiteiru.
  • He's not exactly a genius, but he also puts in effort.
    

Deep Dive

〜なくはない is often used in scenarios where uncertainty or a slight affirmation is expressed. When using this structure, the speaker typically adopts a reserved attitude, hinting at a certain possibility.

Real-Life Scenarios

• Dialogue Example
  • A: 週末しゅうまつに旅行りょこうに行いかない？
  • B: 旅行りょこうに行いくつもりはなくはないなくはないが、今いまお金かねがないんだよね。
  • B: Shuumatsu ni ryokou ni iku tsumori wa naku wa nai ga, ima o-kane ga nai n da yo ne.
  • It's not that I don't plan to go on a trip, but I just don't have the money right now.
    

Summary

〜なくはない is used to express partial negation, carrying a slight affirmative nuance. This expression makes speech more nuanced and reserved in everyday conversations. Understanding and mastering its usage is essential for fluent Japanese communication.