なくはない
Meanings
- It's not that …
- Kind of
- Might
- Slightly
- Somewhat
- In some respects
About this pattern
Explanation
なくはない is a softener used to acknowledge a possibility or degree of something without being fully affirmative. It often translates to “it’s not that X isn’t the case” or “it’s not that X is completely negative.” It can express mild possibility, concession, or a cautious, partial agreement. It is commonly used when the speaker wants to acknowledge a potential or partial truth without committing strongly.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I might go.
It's not that I won't use this method.
I can’t completely disagree with his opinion.
It’s not that it isn’t cheap, but it’s a bit expensive.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
View details