Processing keyword: ～なくもない (〜naku mo nai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～なくもない (〜naku mo nai)

Grammar Point: ～なくもない (〜naku mo nai)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point ～なくもない (〜naku mo nai) is used to express that something is not impossible or that there is some degree of possibility. It can be translated as "it's not that...," "it’s not impossible to...," or "there is a possibility of...".

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Basic Structure:
  The structure is formed from the verb in its negative form (なく - naku) + もない (mo nai).
  • Example: 食べる (taberu: to eat) → 食べない (tabenai: not eat) → 食べなくもない (tabenaku mo nai: it's not that I can't eat)

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

• Meaning: Indicates that while something is not usually done or expected, there is a possibility.
• Structure:
  • Verb (negative form) + なくもない Diagram:

Verb (negative form) + なくもない

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Points:

  • 〜ないわけではない (〜nai wake de wa nai): Similar in that both indicate a lack of impossibility. However, なくもない is often slightly softer or more informal.
  • Example:
    • それは簡単じゃないわけではないが、やってみる価値はある。(Sore wa kantan ja nai wake de wa nai ga, yattemiru kachi wa aru.) - "It's not that it’s not simple, but it is worth trying."

• Difference:

  • なくもない implies more optimism or potential than ないわけではない.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 日本語は難しくなくもないですが、頑張ればできると思います。
     (Nihongo wa muzukashikunaku mo nai desu ga, ganbareba dekiru to omoimasu.)
     "It's not that Japanese is not difficult, but I think if you try hard, you can do it."
2. Informal:
   • 今回の試験は簡単じゃなくもないよ。
     (Konkai no shiken wa kantan ja naku mo nai yo.)
     "This exam is not impossible; it’s somewhat easy."
3. Written:
   • 参加者全員が満足しなくもない、このイベントは成功だった。
     (Sankasha zen'in ga manzoku shinakumo nai, kono ibento wa seikou datta.)
     "Not everyone was dissatisfied, so this event was a success."
4. Spoken:
   • 行けなくもないけど、時間がないなあ。
     (Ikenaku mo nai kedo, jikan ga nai naa.)
     "I could go, but I don’t have the time."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This grammar point reflects a level of indirectness common in Japanese communication, where expressing something as not impossible can soften the assertion. It is often used in contexts where politeness is essential, such as business or formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "できなくもない" (dekinaku mo nai) - "I could do it" or "It's not impossible to do it."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Frequent Mistake: Using the affirmative form instead of negative. Remember that the negative form should be used.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "naku" as "lack" (like "not") and "mo nai" as "not without". Together it means "not without possibility".

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The grammar point ～なくもない expresses the idea that something is possible, though not guaranteed or typical.
• It is often used for softening statements and is reflective of Japanese communication style.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate and identify the grammar point in the sentence: "彼は行かなくもないけれど、気が乗らない。"
   • Answer: "He could go, but he's not feeling it." (Uses 〜なくもない)
2. When would you use 〜なくもない versus 〜ないわけではない?
   • Answer: 〜なくもない can express a softer possibility, while 〜ないわけではない often appears in more formal contexts.
3. Create a sentence using 〜なくもない.
   • Answer: E.g., それをやらなくもないが、時間がかかる。(Sore o yaranaku mo nai ga, jikan ga kakaru.) - "It's not impossible to do it, but it will take time."