~てからでないと

〜te kara denai to

JLPT N2 Chapter 103: Precisely because, and just because, 6 of 7

Formation

Verb-て + からでないと

Indicates that something cannot be done before a certain action is completed; 'not until', 'only after'.

When to use

てからでないと: not until you have first done X (宿題をしてからでないと).

Explanation

The ~てからでないと grammar point is used to express that an action cannot be done before another action has been completed. It can be translated as 'not until' or 'only after' in English. It attaches to a verb in the て-form, plus からでないと.

Example sentences

Without X (Cannot Do Without)