日本語道場

Nihongo Dojo — N3 → N2

Grammar

N2

~ないでもない

~nai de mo nai

not entirely un-...; could possibly

When to use it

Use this when you want to concede a point only partially — acknowledging that some understanding, possibility or willingness exists, while signalling clear reservations. It is a stiff, written-leaning double negative that suits negotiation replies, minutes, and reports where a flat 「はい」 would commit you too far. Very often paired with verbs of cognition or feeling (分かる・言える・気がする) and with potential forms.

Formation

  • Verbs: plain negative ない-form + でもない → 分かる→分からないでもない、する→しないでもない、受け入れられる→受け入れられないでもない
  • Potential/passive forms are especially common: 言える→言えないでもない
  • い-adjectives: 〜く + ないでもない (高くないでもない) — possible but rare; 〜くもない is preferred
  • な-adjectives / nouns: 〜で + ない + でもない is unnatural; use 〜でなくもない(不満でなくもない)
  • Register note: 〜なくもない is the more conversational twin; 〜ないでもない reads as formal/written. Polite close: 〜ないでもありません。

Examples

  • I can't say I don't sympathize with your situation, but the deadline can't be moved.

  • Their reply was that they might consider it, depending on the price.

  • If we revise the terms, their proposal isn't entirely unacceptable.

  • One could well say that this approach leaves some cause for concern.

  • The delayed report isn't entirely unrelated to my own responsibility.