JLPT N1 Grammar
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Not impossible to / Might be able to
Category: Negation and Partial Negation
The grammar pattern "[V-ない] + ものでもない" is used to indicate that something is not entirely impossible or that one might be persuaded given the right conditions. It suggests a slight possibility or hesitant willingness. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker is not entirely opposed to an idea, but is not entirely committed to it either. The nuance of this pattern is that it leaves room for negotiation or compromise, implying that the speaker might be persuaded if the circumstances are favorable.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negative plain form of the verb (V-ない) | [V-ない] + ものでもない | 食べないものでもない (Might be able to eat) |
| Negative plain form of the verb (V-ない) in the polite form | [V-ない] + ものでもない (polite) | 食べないものでもないです (Might be able to eat, polite) |
| Negative plain form of the verb (V-ない) in the polite form with a polite suffix | [V-ない] + ものでもない (polite with suffix) | 食べないものでもないんです (Might be able to eat, polite with suffix) |
今の給料に満足しているわけではないが、工夫次第で生活できものでもない。
Ima no kyūryō ni manzoku shite iru wake dewa nai ga, kōfu tsugi made ikiru koto ga dekiru mono demo nai.
I'm not entirely satisfied with my current salary, but I might be able to make a living if I put in some effort.
今の給料に満足しているわけではない (I'm not entirely satisfied with my current salary), 工夫次第で (if I put in some effort), 生きる (to make a living), ことができる (can), ものでもない (might be able to)
君がどうしてもと言うなら、協力しものでもないが、あまり期待はしないでくれ。
Kimi ga dōshite mo to iu nara, kyōryoku shi mono demo nai ga, amari kitai wa shinai de kure.
If you really want me to, I might be able to cooperate, but don't expect too much from me.
君がどうしてもと言うなら (if you really want me to), 協力し (cooperate), ものでもない (might be able to), が (but), あまり期待はしないでくれ (don't expect too much from me)
駅までは少し遠いが、天気が良ければ歩けものでもない距離だ。
Eki made wa sukoshi tōi ga, tenki ga yokereba aruku koto ga dekiru mono demo nai masu.
The distance to the station is a bit far, but if the weather is good, it's not impossible to walk.
駅までは少し遠い (the distance to the station is a bit far), が (but), 天気が良ければ (if the weather is good), 歩くことができる (can walk), ものでもない (not impossible)
This pattern is used in informal situations, and the speaker is not entirely committed to the idea. It's often used to leave room for negotiation or compromise. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～ものではない, which indicates prohibition or social expectation.
～ものではない indicates prohibition or social expectation, while ～ものでもない suggests a slight possibility or hesitant willingness.
The potential form is not used in this pattern. Instead, the negative plain form of the verb is used.
This pattern suggests a slight possibility or hesitant willingness, not a strong negative recommendation.
Pay attention to the nuance of this pattern, and make sure to use the negative plain form of the verb. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as ～ものではない.
今の給料に満足しているわけではないが、工夫次第で生活でき______。
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