JLPT N2

~nai koto ni wa ~ nai

Express that something cannot be done without meeting a certain condition.

Formation

Explanation

The ないことには grammar point is used to indicate that something cannot be done or achieved unless a certain condition is met. This pattern is formed by attaching ないことには to the negative form of a verb, followed by a negative outcome statement. It often appears as V-ない + ことには + V-ない or a negative expression.

Example sentences

  • Unless you take the medicine, the illness won't get better.

    Kusuri o nomanai koto ni wa, byōki ga naoranai.

  • Unless you think carefully about this problem, you can't solve it.

    Kono mondai ni yoku kangaenai koto ni wa, kaiketsu dekinai.

  • Unless you practice, your skills won't improve.

    Renshū o shinai koto ni wa, sukiru ga jōtatsu shinai.

  • Unless you go through the procedures, you can't get a new passport.

    Tetsuzuki o shinai koto ni wa, atarashii pasupōto ga moraenai.