ないで
Without doing, Not ~ and ~
Structure
Explanation
The grammar point ないで has two main functions when attached to a verb. One function is to mean 'to do (B), without doing (A)'. The other is to ask someone 'please don't do (A)'. This lesson will focus on the first usage.
ないで is formed by combining the negative auxiliary verb ない with the particle で. In this structure, the particle で retains its core meaning of 'by means of' or 'with', applying it to the state of 'not' doing an action.
- 靴を履かないで外に出たから、足が汚れた。I went outside without putting on my shoes, so my feet got dirty.
- 歯を磨かないで寝るの？虫歯になるよ。You're going to sleep without brushing your teeth? You'll get cavities.
The phrase ないで is often used when an action (B) is performed without a usual or expected preceding step (A). This makes it particularly useful for conveying a sense of surprise or pointing out that something was done in an unconventional way.
- 日本語を勉強しないで来たの！？You came here without studying Japanese!?
Caution
Pay close attention to the difference between these two forms:
(A) ないで (B) - Doing (B) without doing (A).
(A) なくて (B) - Because (A) isn't/didn't happen, (B).
While both can appear similar, their functions differ. ないで is typically used to describe the manner in which action (B) was performed (specifically, without the action of A). In contrast, なくて is used to state that the non-occurrence of (A) is the reason or cause for (B).
- さよならを言わないで帰った。He went home without saying goodbye. (The second action happened without the first)
- お金がなくて、何も買えなかった。I didn't have any money, so I couldn't buy anything. (The second event was a result of the first)
Examples
傘を持たないで家を出てしまった。
I left the house without taking my umbrella.
辞書を使わないで、この記事を読んでみてください。
Please try reading this article without using a dictionary.
電気を消さないで部屋を出てしまったようだ。
It seems I left the room without turning off the light.
彼は何も考えないで、すぐに答えた。
He answered right away without thinking at all.
「予約しないでレストランに行ったら、満席でした。」
'When I went to the restaurant without a reservation, it was full.'
誰にも相談しないで、会社を辞めることを決めた。
I decided to quit my job without consulting anyone.
地図を見ないで新しい場所へ行くのが好きです。
I like going to new places without looking at a map.
今朝は急いでいたので、ドアに鍵を掛けないで出かけてしまった。
I was in a hurry this morning, so I left without locking the door.
彼女はさよならも言わないで、パーティーから帰ってしまった。
She went home from the party without even saying goodbye.
「歯を磨かないで学校に行っちゃダメだよ！」とお母さんに言われた。
My mom told me, 'You can't go to school without brushing your teeth!'
人の話を最後まで聞かないで自分の意見を言うのはよくない。
It's not good to state your own opinion without listening to what others have to say until the end.
ノックしないで部屋に入らないでください。
Please don't enter the room without knocking.