なくはない
(naku wa nai)
It's not impossible; It's not that it doesn't happen
Usage Frequency
FAIRLY COMMON
N2
JLPT
なくはない
(naku wa nai)
It's not impossible; It's not that it doesn't happen
Usage Frequency
FAIRLY COMMON
N2
JLPT
Definition
Used to express that something is possible or happens, although it may not be the most common or expected situation.
How to Use
Verb (negative form) + なくはない / なくもない
Common Usage
Negative verb form + なくはない
Context, Limitations and Specificities
When to use?
Used when admitting the possibility of something while emphasizing that it is not a common occurrence.
Limitations and specificities
Usually used to soften a denial, implying that something is possible but not typical.
May come off as non-committal or indirect if overused.
Example Sentences
食べなくはない。
たべなくはない。
tabenaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't eat.
行かなくはない。
いかなくはない。
ikanaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't go.
好きじゃなくはない。
すきじゃなくはない。
suki janaku wa nai.
It's not that I don't like it.
見なくはない。
みなくはない。
minaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't watch.
書かなくはない。
かかなくはない。
kakanaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't write.
働かなくはない。
はたらかなくはない。
hatarakanaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't work.
飲まなくはない。
のまなくはない。
nomanaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't drink.
寝なくはない。
ねなくはない。
nenaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't sleep.
帰らなくはない。
かえらなくはない。
kaeranaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't return.
泳がなくはない。
およがなくはない。
oyoganaku wa nai.
It's not that I won't swim.