ない～はない
There is not ~ that is not/does not
Structure
［い］Adjective［ない］+ Noun + は + Verb［ない］
［な］Adjective + じゃない(1) + Noun + は + Verb［ない］
(1) ではない
Explanation
The phrase ～ない～はない creates a double negative in Japanese, a structure which can be confusing if you're not careful. This grammar point can be formed using the ない ending of either an い-Adjective (形容詞) or an auxiliary verb, based on the word being modified. Let's review some sentences to see how it works.
- あの先生には答えられない質問はない。There is no question that that teacher can't answer.
- 僕は面白くない映画は見ない。I don't watch movies that aren't interesting.
- 母は新しくない野菜は使わない。My mom doesn't use vegetables that aren't fresh.
In essence, this grammatical structure conveys a meaning close to the English phrase, 'there is no (A) that is not (B)'.
Caution
Take care not to mistake this for なくはない, a separate grammar structure that means 'it isn't that (A) is impossible' or 'it's not that I can't (A)'.
- 兄に食べられない食べ物はない。There is no food that my older brother can't eat.
- 納豆は食べられなくはないけど...It's not that I can't eat natto, but…
Examples
本当に読めない本はないの？
Is there really not a single book that you cannot read?
失敗しない人はいないだろう。
There is not a single person who doesn't make mistakes, right?
練習問題がない教科書は一さつもありません。
There is not a single textbook that does not have practice questions.
この店で安くない商品は絶対ない。
There is no product in this store that is not cheap.
準備していない物はなかったから、パーティーは完璧でした。
There was not a single thing that I had not prepared, so the party was perfect.
庭には花が咲いていない場所はない。
There is not a single place in the garden where flowers aren't blooming.
このチームで一生懸命練習していない選手はいません。
There is not an athlete on this team who is not practicing hard.
私たちの村で、その祭りに参加したことのない人はいない。
In our village, there is not a single person who has not participated in that festival.
うちの犬が嫌いじゃない人は一人もいない。
There is not a single person who doesn't dislike my dog.
彼のスピーチに感動しない人は一人もいなかった。
His speech was so moving, there was not a single person who was not moved by it.
宿題をしていない学生は、遊びに行かない方がいい。
Students who have not done their homework, should not go out to play.
客A：「このレストラン、どう？」
客B：「美味しくない料理はないけど、ちょっと高いね。」
Customer A: 'How is this restaurant?'
Customer B: 'There are no dishes that aren't delicious, but it's a little expensive.'