に越したことはない
There is nothing better than, It is the best, Would be the best
Structure
［い］Adjective + に越したことはない
［な］Adjective + に越したことはない
Noun + に越したことはない
Explanation
The phrase に越したことはない expresses that '(A) is the best' or 'you can't go wrong with (A)'. It is formed using に, the past tense of the verb 越す ('to surpass' or 'to go beyond'), followed by こと, は, and ない. The literal translation is 'there is nothing that surpasses (A)'.
This grammar can attach to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
- 旅行なら、前もって準備するに越したことはない。If you're going on a trip, it's always best to prepare in advance.
- もちろん、安いに越した事はないが、品質も気になる。Of course, cheaper is always better, but I'm also concerned about the quality.
- 健康であるに越した事はないので、運動をしています。I exercise because there's nothing better than being healthy.
- 無料であるに越した事はない。There's nothing better than it being free.
This phrase is typically used to state a universally desirable situation or the best possible course of action.
Caution
に越したことはない is also frequently used after negative forms. When this happens, the nuance becomes 'it is best for (A) not to happen' or 'it is better if (A) is not the case'.
- 傘は忘れないに越したことはない。It's always best not to forget your umbrella.
- 場所は危なくないに越したことはない。It's certainly better if a place isn't dangerous.
- 手続きは面倒ではないに越した事はない。It's best if the procedures aren't a hassle.
- 料理は下手ではないに越した事はない。When it comes to cooking, it's definitely better not to be bad at it.
Examples
値段は安いに越したことはないが、品質も大事だ。
A low price is definitely best, but quality is also important.
旅行中は天気がいいに越したことはないが、雨でも楽しめる計画を立てよう。
It's certainly best if the weather is good during the trip, but let's make a plan we can enjoy even if it rains.
家は駅から近いに越したことはないが、家賃が高すぎる。
Nothing is better than a house close to the station, but the rent is too expensive.
バランスの取れた食事をするに越したことはないが、毎日は難しい。
Nothing beats eating a balanced diet, but it's difficult to do every day.
スキルは多いに越したことはないが、まずは一つを極めるべきだ。
There's no doubt it's better to have many skills, but first, you should master one.
正直に話すに越したことはないが、相手を傷つけたくない。
It's always best to speak honestly, but I don't want to hurt the other person's feelings.
パソコンのメモリは大きいに越したことはないが、予算に限りがある。
When it comes to computer memory, bigger is always better, but I have a limited budget.
約束の時間より早く着くに越したことはないが、道が混んでいた。
It would have been best to arrive earlier than the appointment time, but the roads were congested.
情報はたくさんあるに越したことはないが、整理するのが大変だ。
It's always better to have a lot of information, but organizing it is a pain.
災害への備えはしておくに越したことはない。
It's always best to be prepared for a disaster.
虫歯は予防するに越したことはない。
When it comes to cavities, prevention is always best.
用心するに越したことはない。
You can never be too careful.