N3Expectation and Judgment

V(dictionary) + ことはない

Q: Is "Confusing with 'ta koto ga nai' (never done before)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' for advising someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.". While both patterns use the dictionary form of the verb, 'ta koto ga nai' is used to express that something has never been done before, whereas 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' is used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.

Q: Is "Using for 'must not' (use 'te wa ikenai')" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'V(te) + wa ikenai' for expressing that something must not be done.". While both patterns use the -te form of the verb, 'V(te) + wa ikenai' is used to express that something must not be done, whereas 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' is used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.

Q: Is "Using dictionary form incorrectly in past contexts" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the -te form of the verb in past contexts.". In past contexts, the -te form of the verb is used to indicate that the action was not necessary, rather than the dictionary form.

no need to

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V(dictionary) + ことはない" is used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context. It is often used to comfort or reassure someone. This pattern implies that the action is not needed because the situation is not severe or because someone else will handle it. The dictionary form of the verb is used to indicate that the action is not necessary, rather than the base form or the -te form. This pattern is commonly used in informal conversations and is a key expression in Japanese culture for showing empathy and understanding.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Dictionary form of the verb	V(dictionary) + ことはない	見る (miru) + ことはない
Dictionary form of the verb with a negative prefix	V(dictionary) + ことはない	しない (shinai) + ことはない
Dictionary form of the verb with a polite suffix	V(dictionary) + ことはない	します (shimasu) + ことはない

Examples

Example Sentences

軽い風邪ですから、そんなに薬を飲むことはありませんよ。

Karii fūja desu kara, sonna ni kusuri o nomu koto ga nai desu yo.

You don't need to take medicine because you have a light cold.

軽い風邪ですから (You have a light cold because...) + そんなに (so much) + 薬を飲むことはありませんよ (you don't need to take medicine)

君が手伝うことはない。私がやるから大丈夫だ。

Kimi ga te o tasu koto ga nai. Watashi ga yaru kara daijoubu da.

You don't need to help. I'll take care of it, so don't worry.

君が (you) + 手伝う (help) + ことはない (is not necessary) + 私が (I) + やる (will do) + 大丈夫だ (don't worry)

時間はたっぷりあるから、急いで行くことはないですよ。

Jikan wa toppuri aru kara, isogu koto ga nai desu yo.

You don't need to hurry because there's plenty of time.

時間は (time) + たっぷりある (is plenty) + から (because) + 急いで (hurry) + 行く (go) + ことはない (is not necessary) + ですよ (yes)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used in informal conversations to comfort or reassure someone. It is often used in situations where the speaker is trying to downplay the severity of a situation or to show empathy. The dictionary form of the verb is used to indicate that the action is not necessary, rather than the base form or the -te form. This pattern is commonly used in Japanese culture to show understanding and empathy.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Confusing with 'ta koto ga nai' (never done before)

Use 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' for advising someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.

While both patterns use the dictionary form of the verb, 'ta koto ga nai' is used to express that something has never been done before, whereas 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' is used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.

Using for 'must not' (use 'te wa ikenai')

Use 'V(te) + wa ikenai' for expressing that something must not be done.

While both patterns use the -te form of the verb, 'V(te) + wa ikenai' is used to express that something must not be done, whereas 'V(dictionary) + ことはない' is used to advise someone that an action is unnecessary in a specific context.

Using dictionary form incorrectly in past contexts

Use the -te form of the verb in past contexts.

In past contexts, the -te form of the verb is used to indicate that the action was not necessary, rather than the dictionary form.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the dictionary form of the verb correctly and to use it in the context of advising someone that an action is unnecessary. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as 'ta koto ga nai' or 'V(te) + wa ikenai'.

In context