Processing keyword: Verb ないものでもない (Verb nai mono demo nai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ないものでもない (Verb nai mono demo nai)

ないものでもない (Verb ないものでもない)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ないものでもない expresses a subtle possibility or suggests that something is not entirely impossible. It conveys a nuanced meaning of "it's not that I can't..." or "it's not impossible that...". This expression is useful for indicating a reserved or modest possibility in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation: It's not that [someone] can't...; It's not impossible that...; There is a possibility of...
• Nuance: Suggests a slight possibility or that something isn't completely impossible.

Structure

Formation Diagram:

Formation

1. Take the negative form of a verb (ない form).
2. Attach ものでもない.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ないこともない
  • Meaning: Not entirely impossible; there's a possibility.
  • Usage: Similar to ないものでもない but slightly more affirmative.
  • Example: 行けないこともない。It's not that I can't go.
• ないわけではない
  • Meaning: It's not that... not; It's not that... don't.
  • Usage: Denies the complete negation, suggesting a partial affirmation.
  • Example: 食べないわけではない。It's not that I don't eat.

Difference in Nuance

• ないものでもない often implies a weaker possibility compared to ないこともない.
• It may suggest hesitation or reluctance, whereas ないこともない is more neutral.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written
   • Japanese: 交渉次第では、価格を下げないものでもない。
   • Romaji: Kōshō shidai de wa, kakaku o sagenai mono demo nai.
   • English: Depending on the negotiation, it's not impossible to reduce the price.
2. Casual Spoken
   • Japanese: 手伝ってあげないものでもないけど、今日は忙しいんだ。
   • Romaji: Tetsudatte agenai mono demo nai kedo, kyō wa isogashī nda.
   • English: It's not that I can't help you, but I'm busy today.
3. Formal Spoken
   • Japanese: 条件によっては、その提案を受け入れないものでもありません。
   • Romaji: Jōken ni yotte wa, sono teian o ukeirenai mono demo arimasen.
   • English: Depending on the conditions, it's not impossible to accept that proposal.
4. Written
   • Japanese: 努力次第で成功しないものでもない。
   • Romaji: Doryoku shidai de seikō shinai mono demo nai.
   • English: With enough effort, success is not unattainable.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Level: This expression is neutral to formal and is suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
• Indirectness: Reflects the Japanese communication style of being indirect or non-assertive, especially when declining offers or expressing hesitations.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ないものでもない is not idiomatic per se, it aligns with the Japanese tendency to avoid direct refusals or assertions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using the affirmative verb form instead of the negative.
  • Incorrect: 行くものでもない。
  • Correct: 行かないものでもない。
• Mistake: Confusing with ないものだろうか, which expresses a wish or hope.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ないものでもない contains two negatives (ない and でもない), which combine to express a weak positive possibility.
• Practice: Create sentences using verbs you are familiar with to get comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ないものでもない is used to express that something is not entirely impossible.
• Formed by attaching ものでもない to the negative form of a verb.
• Conveys a subtle or reserved possibility.
• Useful in formal and written contexts to express hesitation or indirect affirmation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ないものでもない with the verb 食べる?
2. What nuance does ないものでもない convey?
3. Translate the following sentence:
   • この条件なら、引き受けないものでもない。 Answers:
4. 食べないものでもない
5. It conveys a subtle possibility or that something is not entirely impossible.
6. "Under these conditions, it's not impossible for me to take it on."