N412/179

なくて

V-ない + てい-adjective くなくてな-adjective じゃなくてNoun + じゃなくて

Meanings

To not ~ and ~
Not ~ and ~
Connecting two clauses with negation (reason/contrast)

About this pattern

Explanation

なくて is the te-form of ない, used to connect two clauses when the first clause involves negation. It can express cause, reason, or a contrast between the two parts. In patterns, attach て to the negative form: for verbs + ない → ない + て; i-adjectives take the form くなくて; na-adjectives and nouns take じゃなくて.

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Example sentences

雨が降らなくて、傘を持っていかなかった。

It didn't rain, so I didn't bring an umbrella.

宿題が終わらなくて、先生に質問した。

I couldn't finish the homework, so I asked the teacher.

この店は安くなくて、味もいまいちだ。

This shop isn't cheap, and the flavor isn't great either.

彼はお金がなくて、パーティーに行けなかった。

He didn't have money, so he couldn't go to the party.

Other Readings

Related patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

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More N4 patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

Gradually; Little by little; Step by step

more and more; rapidly; increasing quickly; progressively

We/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives