“〜naku wa nai・naku mo nai”: It's Not That 〜 Isn't So (a hedged affirmation) [JLPT N2]
By Nihongo to Japan · Updated July 3, 2026
“I could go,” “I sort of get it” — a double negative for a limited, hedged affirmation
“〜naku wa nai・naku mo nai”: It's Not That 〜 Isn't So (a hedged affirmation)
「(verb ない-form/adjective) ＋ なくはない／なくもない」 is a double negative meaning “it's not that 〜 isn't so, it's not as if there's no 〜” — using “negative + negative” to express a limited, hedged affirmation. E.g. 「その案に賛成できなくはないが、リスクも大きい」 (it's not that I can't agree with the plan, but the risk is big too), 「気持ちは分からなくもない」 (it's not that I can't understand how you feel). The tone is roundabout, leaving room, not committing fully.
🧠 Core nuance: a roundabout “well, not that I don't…” admitting a little
The core is expressing a reserved, understated affirmation via double negative: ない ＋ はない, two negatives canceling, equals “a little, just barely” (賛成できなくはない = I can barely agree, 分からなくもない = I somewhat understand). It's weaker and more roundabout than direct affirmation, often with a “that said, but…” reservation, frequently followed by が・けど bringing out a condition or concern. Used when you don't want to overstate and want to leave room.
📌 How to Connect
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb ない-form (drop い) ＋ なくはない | it's not that I can't 〜 | 行けなくはない |
| adjective く ＋ なくはない | it's not that it isn't 〜 | 良くなくはない |
| 〜なくもない | same (softer tone) | 分からなくもない |
💬 Example Sentences
- その案に賛成できなくはないが、リスクも大きい。(It's not that I can't agree with the plan, but the risk is big.) — hedged affirmation
- 君の気持ちも、分からなくもない。(It's not that I can't understand how you feel.) — understated understanding
- 行こうと思えば、行けなくはない。(If I really wanted to go, it's not that I couldn't.) — barely possible
- この料理、おいしくなくはないけど、少し味が濃い。(It's not that this dish isn't tasty, but it's a bit strong.) — roundabout evaluation
- 興味がなくはないんです。少し考えさせてください。(It's not that I have no interest. Let me think it over.) — leaving room
🔄 Compare: なくはない vs ないことはない vs にすぎない vs わけではない
| Expression | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 〜なくはない | “it's not that 〜 isn't so” (roundabout, hedged affirmation) | 行けなくはない |
| 〜ないことはない | “it's not that one can't 〜” (synonym, a bit stronger) | 食べられないことはない |
| 〜にすぎない | “merely 〜” (belittling/limiting) | 噂にすぎない |
| 〜わけではない | “it's not that 〜” (partial negation) | 全部嫌いなわけではない |
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Connection (verbs): verb ない-form drop い ＋ くはない (行く→行けなくはない; mind the potential/negative first).
- Often followed by が/けど: なくはない often carries a caveat (〜が、〜けど).
- Don't make it too strong: it's a “barely, limited” affirmation, not strong affirmation.
- Don't drop one ない in the double negative: ✗ 興味があくはない → 興味がなくはない.
💡 Nuance & When to Use
なくはない・なくもない are double-negative roundabout expressions meaning “it's not that 〜 isn't so, it's not as if there's no 〜,” using canceling negatives for a limited, hedged affirmation (I can barely agree, I somewhat understand, it's not that I have no interest). Weaker and more understated than direct affirmation, often with a “but…” reservation, frequently followed by が・けど. Used when you don't want to overstate, want to leave room, or state things tactfully. Close to ないことはない, with なくもない the softest. A must at N2.
🎯 JLPT Exam Tips
- High-frequency N2: verb ない-form etc. ＋ なくはない/なくもない = it's not that 〜 isn't so (hedged affirmation).
- Collocation: often followed by が・けど (a caveat).
- Distinction: なくはない (hedged affirmation) vs わけではない (partial negation) vs にすぎない (merely).
🖊️ 練習題（5題）
Q1. 「その案に賛成でき___が、リスクも大きい。」（也不是不能贊成）
(A) なくはない (B) かねない (C) に過ぎない (D) どころではない
Q2. 「なくはない」の意味は?
(A) 也不是不〜（委婉的部分肯定）
(B) 完全不
(C) 絕對是
(D) 必須
Q3. 「分からなくもない」の意味は?
(A) (我)也不是不能理解（保留的肯定）
(B) 完全不理解
(C) 完全理解
(D) 不想理解
Q4. 「なくはない」の後によく来るのは?
(A) が／けど（帶出但書）
(B) ください
(C) なさい
(D) だろうか
Q5. 接法が正しいのは?
(A) 興味がなくはない。 (B) 興味があくはない。
(C) 興味なくはあるない。 (D) 興味をなくはない。
答案解析
1. (A) なくはない ── 也不是不能贊成(保留)。
2. (A) ── 也不是不〜(委婉肯定)。
3. (A) ── 也不是不能理解。
4. (A) が／けど ── 後常接但書。
5. (A) ── 「興味がなくはない」正確。