# ないとも限らない: not necessarily; I can't say that; maybe; might ~ > Learn how to use ないとも限らない, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning not necessarily or might, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-nai-tomo-kagiranai/ **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** means **not necessarily; I can't say that; maybe; might ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something is not impossible—there is a slight possibility, often contrary to what the speaker assumes or hopes. This grammar point often appears in formal discussions, warnings, speculative statements, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to express that you cannot rule out a possibility, especially when you’d prefer it not to happen, **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds a cautious, precise tone to your Japanese.

If you want to express that you cannot entirely deny the chance something might happen, ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

## What does ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない mean? Use **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** when you want to express that you cannot deny the possibility of something—usually an event you don’t expect or an outcome you’d rather avoid. It is formed by attaching とも限ら(かぎら)ない to the negative form of a verb or adjective, creating a double negative that softens into “it could happen” or “I wouldn’t rule it out.” Natural translations include: - not necessarily; I can’t say that…; maybe; might ~ The best translation depends on the sentence. Notice whether the speaker is cautioning someone, speculating about an uncertain future, or reluctantly admitting a possibility. ## How to form ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない Attach **とも限ら(かぎら)ない** to the negative plain form of a verb or adjective. The result is a fixed phrase that never conjugates further in the sentence.
Vない
＋
とも限ら(かぎら)ない
イAくない
＋
とも限ら(かぎら)ない
ナA / Noun ではない
＋
とも限ら(かぎら)ない
Examples of the pattern: - 降ら(ふら)ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない - 難しく(むずかしく)ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない - 本当(ほんとう)ではないとも限ら(かぎら)ない In JLPT questions, wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach とも限ら(かぎら)ない directly to a plain positive form — that won’t work. ## When is ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない used? Use **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** in situations like: - warning someone not to assume a negative outcome is guaranteed - expressing speculative or cautious thoughts about future possibilities - acknowledging a risk or uncomfortable alternative in formal or thoughtful speech Tone and register: - Formal, cautious, sometimes a bit distant; very natural in news commentary, business discussions, and polite warnings - Common in test questions, essays, formal speech, and JLPT N1 reading ## ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない example sentences
明日(あす)雨(あめ)が降(ふ)らないとも限ら(かぎら)ないから、傘(かさ)を持っ(もっ)ていこう。
It might rain tomorrow, so let’s take an umbrella.
caution
真実(しんじつ)が隠(かく)されているのではないとも限ら(かぎら)ない。
It is not impossible that the truth is being hidden.
speculation
彼(かれ)が約束(やくそく)を忘(わす)れないとも限ら(かぎら)ないので、もう一度(いちど)連絡(れんらく)しておきます。
He might forget the promise, so I’ll contact him again.
precaution
彼女(かのじょ)の案(あん)が採用(さいよう)されないとも限ら(かぎら)ない。
Her proposal might not be rejected—there is still a chance it could be adopted.
possibility
このままでは計画(けいかく)が失敗(しっぱい)しないとも限ら(かぎら)ない。
If we go on like this, the plan might fail.
warning
子供(こども)のうちからあまり甘(あま)やかすと、将来(しょうらい)ちゃんと自立(じりつ)できないとも限ら(かぎら)ない。
If you spoil a child too much, it’s not impossible that they won’t be able to stand on their own feet later.
concern
After reading each sentence, ask what job **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** is doing: it stops the speaker from making a definite negative claim and leaves room for an unwelcome or unexpected possibility. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない The key nuance is **a cautious admission that the negative outcome cannot be completely ruled out — often with a sense of wariness or reluctance**. This matters because learners sometimes treat it as a simple “maybe.” In fact, the pattern often carries a subtle emotional weight: the speaker is not just tossing out a neutral possibility; they are bracing for something that would be contrary to their hopes or expectations. For example: - When planning an outdoor event, saying 雨(あめ)が降ら(ふら)ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない shows you are preparing for a scenario you’d rather avoid. - Compared with a plain かもしれない, it suggests the speaker is actively pushing back against an assumption of safety.
💡
Think of it as a double negative with a purpose: “It is not necessarily the case that X won’t happen → X might happen.” The speaker chooses this roundabout phrasing precisely to sound careful and reluctant, not casual.
## ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない vs ないものでもない Both **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** and **ないものでもない** express that a negative event is not impossible, but they carry different shades.
ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない
Cautious admission; often used for events the speaker wants to avoid
When you want to warn someone or prepare for a possible negative outcome
彼(かれ)が遅刻(ちこく)しないとも限ら(かぎら)ない。
He might be late — we shouldn’t assume he’ll be on time.
ないものでもない
Grudging or minimal admission; “it’s not entirely impossible” but with a hint that there is still some positive side, or a very small chance
When you want to concede a slight possibility, often with reservation or after listing reasons against it
彼(かれ)が遅刻(ちこく)しないものでもないが、めったにない。
It’s not that he never comes late, but it’s very rare.
If both translations seem possible, check the speaker’s stance. Is the sentence a warning (use ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない) or a hesitant concession (use ないものでもない)? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない Watch out for these mistakes:
❌
Attaching to the plain positive form is ungrammatical.
✅
❌
Conflict: 絶対(ぜったい)に (definitely) clashes with the pattern’s uncertainty.
✅
❌
The sentence attempts to mean “it isn’t cheap” but the pattern would imply “it might not be cheap,” which is contradictory with the intended meaning.
✅
Here “unexpectedly not cheap” fits the speculative nuance.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない**, then rewrite it with **ないものでもない** (see section 6). If the nuance changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない on the JLPT? Yes. **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** is commonly taught as **JLPT N1** grammar.
N1

That means learners should be able to:

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
1
Use ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない to warn a friend about weather for an upcoming picnic.
caution
2
Write a sentence where the speaker reluctantly admits that a worst-case scenario cannot be ruled out.
reluctance
3
Compare ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない with ないものでもない in your own example sentence.
comparison
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the cautious nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない To learn **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.
1
First, make sure you can form ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない without looking at the pattern chart. Write out the negative form of a verb or adjective, then attach とも限ら(かぎら)ない. Confirm that you never attach it to a positive form.
2
Next, compare it with ないものでもない. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance. Write two sentences—one warning, one concession—and swap the patterns; notice how the feel shifts.
3
Finally, write sentences where ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning. The more you test boundaries, the more natural the grammar will feel.
## Related grammar to review next - [ないまでも](/blog/n1-nai-made-mo/) — expresses “even if not..., at least...” and shares a similar pattern of setting limits on what can be said with certainty. - [ないものでもない](/blog/n1-nai-mono-demo-nai/) — the direct comparison point; also uses a double negative to admit a minimal possibility. - [ないものか・ないものだろうか](/blog/n1-nai-mono-ka-nai-mono-darou-ka/) — expresses a strong desire for something to happen, the polar opposite of the reluctant admission in ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない. - [なくしては](/blog/n1-nakushite-wa/) — means “without..., ... not possible,” emphasizing a necessary condition, which contrasts with the speculative “might still happen” of ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない. ## Learn ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない with Hane If you want to review **ないとも限ら(かぎら)ない** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)