なくはない
It's not that…, Kind of, might, Slightly, Somewhat, In some respects
Structure
［い］Adjective［く］ + なくはない
［な］Adjective + では(1) + なくはない
Noun + が(2) + なくはない
(1)じゃ
(2)は、に
Explanation
To convey that something is true to a certain extent, or to make a weak affirmation, you can use the phrase なくはない. Structurally, it is a double negative, formed by taking the conjunctive form of ない (なく), followed by は and then another ない. This creates a literal meaning of 'it isn't that (A) is not the case', expressing a hesitant agreement or possibility.
While most commonly seen after verbs, なくはない can also follow nouns, often with a particle like が or は placed before it. You may also see the は particle in なくはない replaced with も. Using も instead of は adds a bit more emphasis to the statement, but the core meaning remains the same.
- その意見に賛成なくはないけど、まだ少し心配だ。It's not that I disagree with that opinion, but I'm still a little worried.
- この映画に興味がなくはないが、見に行くほどの時間はない。It's not that I'm not interested in this movie, but I don't have enough time to go see it.
- 彼の気持ちも分からなくはないが、彼のやり方は間違っている。It's not that I don't understand his feelings, but his methods are wrong.
- もう一度チャンスをあげなくはないけど、これが最後だよ。It's not that I won't give you another chance, but this is the last one.
This grammar pattern is frequently paired with the potential form of verbs. This combination is used to express that an action is possible, even if it might be difficult, undesirable, or seem unlikely at first.
- 一人で旅行に行けなくはないけど、やっぱり誰かと一緒のほうが楽しい。I suppose I could go on a trip by myself, but it's more fun with someone else.
- この高い棚の本、頑張れば取れなくはないよ。If I really try, it's not impossible for me to get that book on the high shelf.
Examples
このカレーは辛いが、食べられなくはない。
This curry is spicy, but it's not like I can't eat it.
専門的な本だけど、時間をかければ読めなくはない。
It's a technical book, but if I take my time, I should be able to read it.
彼が怒る気持ちも分からなくはないが、言い方がひどい。
I can sort of understand why he's angry, but the way he said it was terrible.
駅まで遠いけど、天気がいいから歩けなくはない。
It's a long way to the station, but since the weather is nice, I guess I could walk.
彼が優勝する可能性もなくはない。
There is a slight possibility that he could win the championship.
この壊れたパソコン、修理できなくはないが、新しいのを買った方が安いかもしれない。
It's not that this broken computer can't be fixed, but it might be cheaper to buy a new one.
少し習ったので、フランス語も話せなくはないですよ。
I've studied it a little, so I can speak some French.
遅刻した理由はなくはないが、言い訳にしか聞こえないだろう。
It's not that there isn't a reason I was late, but it would probably just sound like an excuse.
レシピがあれば、このケーキも作れなくはないと思う。
If I have a recipe, I think I could probably make this cake.
お金を払えば入場できなくはないらしい。
Apparently, it's not impossible to get in if you pay.
このスープ、おいしくなくはないけど、何か物足りない。
This soup isn't bad, but it feels like something is missing.
こんなに疲れていては、これ以上仕事を続けられなくはないが、効率が悪い。
Being this tired, it's not that I can't continue working, but it would be inefficient.