Processing keyword: ～ないこともない (〜nai koto mo nai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ないこともない (〜nai koto mo nai)

～ないこともない (～nai koto mo nai)

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson on the Japanese grammar point ～ないこともない (~nai koto mo nai). This expression is a double negative construction used to convey that something is not impossible or that you don't entirely disagree with something. It's a nuanced way to express possibility or agreement, often implying hesitation or reservation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～ないこともない translates to:

• "It's not that I can't..."
• "It's not impossible to..."
• "I don't completely disagree..." It expresses a subtle affirmation, suggesting that while something may not be preferred or easy, it is possible or acceptable.

Structure

The structure involves attaching こともない to the ない-form of a verb or adjective.

Formation Diagram

1. Verb (ない-form) + こともない

   Verb Dictionary Form	ない-form	+ こともない	Meaning
   食べる (to eat)	食べない	食べないこともない	"It's not that I can't eat..."
   行く (to go)	行かない	行かないこともない	"It's not impossible to go..."
   考える (to think)	考えない	考えないこともない	"It's not that I won't consider..."

2. Adjective (～くない) + こともない

   Adjective	Negative Form	+ こともない	Meaning
   高い (expensive)	高くない	高くないこともない	"It's not that it's not expensive..."
   難しい (difficult)	難しくない	難しくないこともない	"It's not that it's not difficult..."

Detailed Explanation

By using ～ないこともない, the speaker is:

• Acknowledging Possibility: Admitting that there is a possibility, even if small.
• Expressing Reservations: Indicating hesitation or lack of enthusiasm.
• Softening Statements: Avoiding direct or strong assertions, which aligns with polite communication in Japanese culture.

3. Comparative Analysis

～なくもない (~naku mo nai)

Similarities:

• Both expressions use double negatives to imply a positive meaning.
• They suggest that something is possible or not entirely impossible. Differences:
• ～ないこともない often implies a stronger reservation or more significant conditions that need to be met.
• ～なくもない is slightly less emphatic and may feel less hesitant. Example Comparison:
• 行かないこともないけど、忙しいからなあ。
  • "It's not that I can't go, but I'm busy..."
• 行かなくもないけど、どうしようかな。
  • "I might be able to go, but I'm not sure..."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Situations

1. 提案についてもう一度考えないこともありません**。**
   • Teian ni tsuite mō ichido kangae nai koto mo arimasen.
   • "It's not that I won't consider the proposal again."
2. ご要望に応じられないこともございませんが、時間がかかります。
   • Goyōbō ni ōjirare nai koto mo gozaimasen ga, jikan ga kakarimasu.
   • "It's not that we can't accommodate your request, but it will take time."

Informal Conversations

1. 映画を見に行かないこともないけど、家で休みたい。
   • Eiga o mini ika nai koto mo nai kedo, ie de yasumitai.
   • "It's not that I can't go to the movies, but I'd rather relax at home."
2. ビールは飲めないこともないけど、好きじゃない。
   • Bīru wa nome nai koto mo nai kedo, suki janai.
   • "It's not that I can't drink beer, but I don't like it."

Written Context

1. この問題は解決できないこともないが、時間が必要だ。
   • Kono mondai wa kaiketsu deki nai koto mo nai ga, jikan ga hitsuyō da.
   • "It's not impossible to solve this problem, but time is needed."
2. 予算を調整すれば購入できないこともない**。**
   • Yosan o chōsei sureba kōnyū deki nai koto mo nai.
   • "It's not impossible to purchase if we adjust the budget."

Spoken Context

1. カラオケに行かないこともないけど、歌うのは苦手。
   • Karaoke ni ika nai koto mo nai kedo, utau no wa nigate.
   • "It's not that I can't go to karaoke, but I'm not good at singing."
2. 手伝えないこともないけど、今は忙しいんだ。
   • Tetsudae nai koto mo nai kedo, ima wa isogashī nda.
   • "It's not that I can't help, but I'm busy right now."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, direct refusals or assertions can be considered impolite or too forward. Using expressions like ～ないこともない allows speakers to soften their statements, showing politeness and consideration for others' feelings.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• By adjusting the verb endings and using polite forms, you can use ～ないこともない in both casual and formal situations.
• Adding です/ます endings increases formality.

Idiomatic Expressions

• やれないこともないけど、かなり難しいよ。
  • "It's not that I can't do it, but it's quite difficult."
• 食べられないこともないが、あまり好きじゃない食べ物だ。
  • "It's not that I can't eat it, but it's a food I don't really like."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Affirmative Form Incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 行くこともない。
   • Correct: 行か*ないこともない。*
   • Tip: Ensure you use the ない-form before attaching こともない.
2. Misplacing Particles
   • Incorrect: 食べることもないない。
   • Correct: 食べ*ないこともない。*
   • Tip: Remember that こともない follows directly after the ない-form.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Double Negatives: Familiarize yourself with double negatives in Japanese to understand their affirmative implications.
• Create Sample Sentences: Write your own sentences using ～ないこともない to express hesitant agreement or possibility.
• Listen and Observe: Pay attention to how native speakers use this expression in different contexts to grasp its nuance.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ないこともない is used to express that something is not impossible or that you don't completely disagree.
• It involves a double negative construction, softening statements and showing politeness.
• The structure is ない-form of a verb/adjective + こともない.
• It's versatile and can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ～ないこともない: 彼の気持ちは分から_______。 Answer: 分からないこともない
2. Translate to English: 新しい仕事に挑戦しないこともないが、不安だ。 Answer: "It's not that I can't try a new job, but I'm anxious."
3. True or False: ～ないこともない is only used to express strong agreement. Answer: False. It expresses hesitant agreement or that something is possible, often with reservations.

By understanding and practicing ～ないこともない, you can add nuance to your Japanese and communicate with greater subtlety and politeness. Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to use this expression in appropriate situations!