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Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-ない + で' is used to describe an action that is performed without doing another action, or choosing one action instead of another. It is a common pattern in spoken Japanese and is often used to express a contrast between two actions. For example, '辞書を読みません' means 'I won't read the dictionary' and '昨日は宿題を寝てしまいました' means 'I fell asleep without doing my homework yesterday'. This pattern is often used in informal contexts and is not typically used in formal writing or speech.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form | V-ない + で | 食べないで |
| Nai form | V-ない + で | 寝ないで |
| I form | V-ない + で | 食べないで |
Examples
辞書を読みません
Shisho o yamnase
I won't read the dictionary
Shisho o yamnase (I won't read the dictionary) = Shisho o (the dictionary) + yamnase (I won't read)
昨日は宿題を寝てしまいました
Kinou wa kyujitsu o nemashimaimashita
I fell asleep without doing my homework yesterday
Kinou wa kyujitsu o nemashimaimashita (I fell asleep without doing my homework yesterday) = Kinou wa (yesterday) + kyujitsu o (my homework) + nemashimaimashita (I fell asleep)
砂糖を飲みません
Satou o nomimasen
I won't drink sugar
Satou o nomimasen (I won't drink sugar) = Satou o (sugar) + nomimasen (I won't drink)
映画を観ないでください
Eiga o mi nai de kudasai
Please don't watch the movie
Eiga o mi nai de kudasai (Please don't watch the movie) = Eiga o (the movie) + mi nai de (don't watch) + kudasai (please)
勉強をしないでください
Benshuu o shinaide kudasai
Please don't study
Benshuu o shinaide kudasai (Please don't study) = Benshuu o (study) + shinaide (don't study) + kudasai (please)
Context
This pattern is commonly used in informal contexts, such as in conversations with friends or family. It is not typically used in formal writing or speech. The pattern is often used to express a contrast between two actions, and can be used to convey a sense of regret or disappointment. For example, '昨日は宿題を寝てしまいました' (I fell asleep without doing my homework yesterday) implies that the speaker regrets not doing their homework.
Watch out
The pattern 'V-ない + で' is often confused with 'nakute', which is used to list reasons or contrast states. However, 'V-ない + で' is used to describe an action that is performed without doing another action, or choosing one action instead of another.
The negative stem of the verb is formed using the masu form, nai form, or i form of the verb. For example, the masu form of the verb 'taberu' is 'tabenai', and the nai form is 'tabenai' as well.
The pattern 'V-ない + で' is often confused with 'zu ni', which is used to express a purpose or intention. However, 'V-ない + で' is used to describe an action that is performed without doing another action, or choosing one action instead of another.
Strategy
When taking the JLPT N4 exam, be sure to pay attention to the context in which the pattern 'V-ない + で' is used. The pattern is often used in informal contexts, so be sure to read the context carefully to determine whether the pattern is being used to describe an action that is performed without doing another action, or choosing one action instead of another.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ない + で used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
辞書を使わないで本を読みました。
Pattern used: 使わないで
'Tsukawanaide' indicates the state of not using a dictionary while reading.
昨日は宿題をしないで寝てしまいました。
Pattern used: しないで
'Shinaide' describes the condition of not having done homework before sleeping.
砂糖を入れないでコーヒーを飲みます。
Pattern used: 入れないで
Contrast: 'naide' is used for actions done without something else, 'nakute' is for causes/reasons.
Interactive
辞書を______本を読みました。
Adaptive practice
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