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JLPT N2 Very formal / literary

〜ni hoka naranai

Express that something is 'nothing but' or 'none other than'.

Emphatic literary "nothing other than" - asserts something is exactly and only this.

Formation

Explanation

The ～にほかならない grammar point is used to emphasize that something is no more or no less than what is specified. It can be seen as a strong way to say that something is 'nothing but' or 'none other than'.

Example sentences

  • His success is nothing but hard work.

    Kare no seikou wa doryoku ni hoka naranai.

  • This pain is nothing but the cold.

    Kono itami wa samusa ni hoka naranai.

  • The cause of his failure is nothing but overconfidence.

    Kare no shippai no gen'in wa manshin ni hoka naranai.

  • Her smile is none other than brightness.

    Kanojo no egao wa akarusa ni hoka naranai.

Exclusivity (Only / Nothing But)