ない
ない · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | ない | なくない |
| Polite | ないです | なくないですalso なくありません |
| Past polite | なかったです | なくなかったですalso なくありませんでした |
| Past | なかった | なくなかった |
| Te-form | なくて | なくなくて |
| Adverbial | なく | |
| Conditional | なければ | なくなければ |
| Tara conditional | なかったら | なくなかったら |
Meanings
nonexistent; not there
States that something does not exist or is not present. Often used with が.
There is nothing in the fridge.
There is no parking lot in front of the station.
not have; unowned
Indicates lack of possession or ownership. Often used with は or が.
I don't have a car.
He has no money.
Used in set phrases like またとない (unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime) to express that something is rare or exceptional.
See also: またとない
I missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Used in patterns like ...ことがない to express negation of experience, necessity, or possibility. Often corresponds to 'have never done', 'there is no need to', or 'it cannot happen'.
That can't happen.
I have never met him.
There's no need to worry.
i-adjective, auxiliary adjective
Auxiliary adjective used after the conjunctive form of an adjective to negate it. Equivalent to 'not' in English.
See also: ない
This room is not spacious.
It is not cold today.
i-adjective, auxiliary adjective
not (after verb); have not
Auxiliary adjective used after the -te form of a verb to express negation of a state or action. Often translates to 'have not done' or 'is not'.
I haven't eaten yet.
The window is not open.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に〈物〉がないthere is no ~ at/in ~ (a place)
There are no chairs in the classroom.
- 〈人〉は〈物〉がないsomeone doesn't have ~
He doesn't have any money.
- 〈動詞〉たことがないhave never done ~
I have never been abroad.
- 全然〜ないnot at all ~
This dish isn't tasty at all.
- 〈動詞〉必要はないthere is no need to do ~
There's no need to reply right away.