ないでもない
Kind of, Might, Slightly, It’s not (impossible) that, Somewhat, In some respects
Structure
(1)では
Explanation
ないでもない and なくもない are expressions that function as double negatives, literally meaning 'it is not that it is not (A)'. They are used to convey a sense of 'it's somewhat (A)' or 'I guess you could say (A)'. These phrases are often used when the speaker is hesitant to fully agree or disagree, or when they want to soften their opinion to avoid sounding too direct.
Both ないでもない and なくもない can be attached to the negative form of a verb. They can also follow a noun that is accompanied by the case marking particle が.
- この映画が面白いと感じないでもないが、結末はちょっと残念だった。I guess you could say the movie was interesting, but the ending was a little disappointing.
- うーん、食べてみたら甘い味がしなくもないけど、やっぱり苦手だな。Hmm, now that I've tried it, I guess it does taste a little sweet, but it's still not for me.
- どうしても困っているなら、お金を貸してあげないでもないよ。If you're really in a bind, I suppose I could lend you some money.
- 歴史に興味がなくもないけど、覚えることが多すぎて…。It's not that I'm completely uninterested in history, but there's just too much to memorize...
While ないでもない and なくもない can be used in the same way, なくもない is considered slightly less common in everyday conversation. A related expression, ないものでもない, also exists but is used even more rarely.
- きちんと謝罪するなら、考え直してあげないものでもない。If you offer a sincere apology, I might reconsider.
Examples
この仕事、やってあげないでもないけど、今はちょっと忙しいんだ。
I suppose I could do this job for you, but I'm a bit busy right now.
パーティーに一緒に行かないでもないけど、明日は早いんだ。
It’s not that I don’t want to go to the party with you, but I have an early start tomorrow.
この宿題、手伝ってあげないでもないけど、まずは自分でやってみなよ。
It's not that I won't help you with this homework, but you should at least try doing it yourself first.
ビールは飲めないでもないけど、一杯で十分かな。
It’s not like I can’t drink beer, but one glass is probably my limit.
新しいパソコンが欲しいと思わないでもないけど、今のやつもまだ使えるし…。
I do kind of want a new computer, but my current one is still usable...
家族と離れて暮らすのは、寂しい気がしないでもないけど、自由でいいよ。
Living apart from my family, I do feel a bit lonely, but I also enjoy the freedom.
Aさん：「彼が怒るのも無理ないよ。」
Bさん：「まあ、彼の気持ちもわからないでもないですけどね。」
A-san: 'It's understandable that he's angry.'
B-san: 'Well, I can sort of see where he's coming from.'
彼の話を信じないでもないが、いくつか矛盾している点がある。
It’s not that I don’t believe his story, but there are some inconsistencies.
納豆は、好きじゃないでもないけど、毎日食べたいとは思わないな。
It's not that I dislike natto, but I wouldn't want to eat it every single day.
彼の能力を認めないでもないが、チームワークに問題がある。
I do acknowledge his skills, but his teamwork is problematic.
一人で海外旅行に行くのは、心配じゃないでもないけど、楽しみの方が大きい。
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about traveling abroad alone, but I'm more excited than anything.