JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
unless
Category: Conditions and Hypotheses
The grammar pattern "Verb (ない形) + ことには / Noun + でないことには / な形容詞 + でないことには" is used to indicate that if a certain condition does not occur, a specific result cannot happen. This pattern is often followed by a negative or impossible expression, emphasizing the impossibility of the result. It is a way to express a hypothetical situation where a condition is not met, and as a result, a certain outcome cannot occur.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (ない形) | Verb (ない形) + ことには | 勉強しないことには、合格することはできない |
| Noun | Noun + でないことには | 実物を見ないことには、買うかどうかは決められない |
| Na-adjective | Na-adjective + でないことには | 本を読まないことには、知識が得られない |
実際に見ないことには本当のことはわかりません。
jittai ni minai koto ni wa hontou no koto wa wakarimasen.
Unless you see it in person, you won't know the truth.
実際に見ないことには (unless you see it in person) + 本当のことはわかりません (you won't know the truth)
実物を見ないことには買うかどうかは決められません。
jitsumo o minai koto ni wa kau ka dō ka wa kimaramasen.
Unless you see the real thing, you won't be able to decide whether to buy it.
実物を見ないことには (unless you see the real thing) + 買うかどうかは決められません (you won't be able to decide whether to buy it)
彼が承諾してないことにはこの計画は進められません。
kare ga shōdōshite nai koto ni wa kono keikaku wa susunde rarenai.
Unless he agrees, this plan cannot be carried out.
彼が承諾してないことには (unless he agrees) + この計画は進められません (this plan cannot be carried out)
This pattern is used to express a hypothetical situation where a condition is not met, and as a result, a certain outcome cannot occur. It is often used in situations where the outcome is impossible or uncertain. The pattern can be used with any type of verb, noun, or adjective, as long as it is in the negative form.
If you forget to use the negative 'nai' form, the sentence will not convey the correct meaning.
If you use a positive result, the sentence will not convey the correct meaning of 'unless'.
The pattern 'koto ni natte iru' is used to express rules or customs, not hypothetical situations.
Pay attention to the negative form of the verb, noun, or adjective used in the pattern. Make sure to use the correct pattern for expressing hypothetical situations. Practice using the pattern with different types of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.
実際に______、本当のことはわかりません。
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