# と言えなくもない: one can even say that; it can also be said that ~ > Learn how to use と言えなくもない, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning one can even say that, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-to-ienaku-mo-nai/ **と言え(いえ)なくもない** means **one can even say that; it can also be said that ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to concede a point or offer a tentative opinion by using a double negative to soften the assertion. This grammar point often appears in formal discussions, essays, debates, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to cautiously put forward an idea or admit a viewpoint without claiming absolute certainty, **と言え(いえ)なくもない** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural, nuanced precision to your Japanese.

With と言え(いえ)なくもない, you're not asserting — you're laying a possibility on the table. It's the language of careful reasoning.

## What does と言え(いえ)なくもない mean? Use **と言え(いえ)なくもない** when you want to express that a statement is not entirely out of the question — that you can tentatively agree or consider something to be the case. It's a way of saying "it wouldn't be wrong to say" or "one could even go so far as to claim." Natural translations include: - one can even say that - it can also be said that ~ - it's not impossible to say that The best translation depends on the sentence. The literal structure is a double negative: と言え(いえ)ない ("cannot say") + も ("even") + ない ("not") → "it is not the case that one cannot say." That roundabout phrasing gives the speaker room to withdraw the statement if challenged. ## How to form と言え(いえ)なくもない A complete clause (plain form) + と言え(いえ)なくもない。
普通(ふつう)形(けい)の文(ぶん) ＋ と言え(いえ)なくもない
Examples of the pattern: - この計画(けいかく)は成功(せいこう)した成功(せいこう)した**と言え(いえ)なくもない**。 - 彼(かれ)の意見(いけん)は正しい(ただしい)**と言え(いえ)なくもない**。 - この料理(りょうり)はちょっと辛(つら)すぎる**と言え(いえ)なくもない**。 The form before the grammar point matters. The clause that precedes と言え(いえ)なくもない must be a complete statement, often in the plain form (だ for nouns/na-adj, plain verbs). In JLPT questions, wrong answer choices may use the polite form or an ungrammatical connector. ## When is と言え(いえ)なくもない used? Use **と言え(いえ)なくもない** in situations like: - conceding a point during a discussion or debate - offering a hesitant opinion in a formal meeting or academic paper - expressing a possibility that you are not fully committed to - responding to a challenging question with measured agreement Tone and register: - formal to semi-formal; used more in writing and formal speech than in casual conversation - Common in test questions, academic writing, editorials, business meetings, and JLPT N1 reading ## と言え(いえ)なくもない example sentences
成功(せいこう)した言(げん)えなくもないが、問題(もんだい)も残(ざん)っている。
One could even say it was a success, but problems remain.
concession
この机(つくえ)はちょっと高(こう)すぎると言(げん)えなくもない。
It could be said that this desk is a little too expensive.
opinion
彼(かれ)の説明(せつめい)は不十分(ふじゅうぶん)だったと言(げん)えなくもない。
It's not impossible to say his explanation was insufficient.
critique
今(いま)の制度(せいど)は不公平(ふこうへい)だと言(げん)えなくもないが、代替(だいたい)案(あん)は出(で)ていない。
One might even say the current system is unfair, but no alternative has been proposed.
debate
その行動(こうどう)は無責任(むせきにん)だったと言(げん)えなくもない。
It can also be said that the action was irresponsible.
judgment
After reading each sentence, ask what job **と言え(いえ)なくもない** is doing: conceding a possibility without full commitment. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of と言え(いえ)なくもない The key nuance is **hesitant affirmation**. The double negative creates distance. Unlike と言っ(いっ)てもいい, which confidently grants permission ("you can safely say"), と言え(いえ)なくもない says "I won't deny it could be said." It implies that the speaker is not fully convinced, or wants to leave room for disagreement. This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. The pattern can be misread as a simple positive if you strip away the negative layers. For example: - In context, it carries the flavor of "I'm not committing to this, but yes, that interpretation exists." - Compared with **とも言える(いえる)**, it is softer and more circuitous. ## と言え(いえ)なくもない vs と言っ(いっ)てもいい Both **と言え(いえ)なくもない** and **と言っ(いっ)てもいい** can be used to offer a statement, but they are very different in strength. **と言え(いえ)なくもない**: - hesitant affirmation; the speaker admits a viewpoint while keeping distance - often followed by a contrasting "but" or a limitation **と言っ(いっ)てもいい**: - straightforward permission or assertion; “it is safe to say” - carries more confidence and less hedging Quick contrast examples:
と言え(いえ)なくもない
Tentative, leaving room
この結果(けっか)は失敗(しっぱい)だと言(げん)えなくもない。
One could even say this result is a failure (but I'm not entirely sure).
vs
と言っ(いっ)てもいい
Confident, giving permission
この結果(けっか)は失敗(しっぱい)だと言(げん)ってもいい。
You can safely say this result is a failure.
If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence cautious, hedging, and potentially followed by a reservation? Or does it give a clear, firm evaluation? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with と言え(いえ)なくもない Watch out for these mistakes:
❌
その計画(けいかく)は絶対(ぜったい)に間(ま)違(い)っていると言(げん)えなくもない。
Adding strong words like 絶対(ぜったい)に clashes with the hesitant nature of と言え(いえ)なくもない. You can't strongly insist and simultaneously hedge.
✅
その計画(けいかく)は少(すくな)し乱暴(らんぼう)だと言(げん)えなくもない。
❌
彼(かれ)を成功(せいこう)したと言(げん)えてもない。
Leaving out the second negative, or mangling the long string, is a common slip. The pattern must be the full と言え(いえ)なくもない.
✅
彼(かれ)を成功(せいこう)したと言(げん)えなくもない。
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **と言え(いえ)なくもない**, then rewrite it with **と言っ(いっ)てもいい**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is と言え(いえ)なくもない on the JLPT? Yes. **と言え(いえ)なくもない** is commonly taught as **JLPT N1** grammar.
N1

That means learners should be able to:

recognize it in reading understand its nuance in context use it in simple original sentences
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. Expect it in 読解(どっかい) (reading comprehension) where a character uses it to show partial agreement, or in 文法(ぶんぽう) (grammar) as a sentence-completion item with a following が (but). ## Practice questions for と言え(いえ)なくもない Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
1
Use と言え(いえ)なくもない to reluctantly agree with a friend's criticism of a movie.
concession
2
Write a formal sentence in which you acknowledge a colleague's point but then add a caveat with が.
business
3
Compare と言え(いえ)なくもない with と言っ(いっ)てもいい in your own example. Which one suggests you might change your mind?
nuance
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for と言え(いえ)なくもない To learn **と言え(いえ)なくもない** efficiently, start with its formation as a double-negation pattern, then compare it with similar expressions, and finally practice in context.
1
First, make sure you can form a plain sentence and attach と言え(いえ)なくもない without dropping any particles.
2
Next, compare it with と言っ(いっ)てもいい. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance of hedging.
3
Finally, write sentences where と言え(いえ)なくもない is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.
## Related grammar to review next - [/blog/n1-to-aimatte/](/blog/n1-to-aimatte/) — because it also expresses a connection between factors, helpful for balanced judgments - [/blog/n1-to-atte/](/blog/n1-to-atte/) — because it also conveys a reason or circumstance that leads to a nuanced conclusion - [/blog/n1-to-bakari-ni/](/blog/n1-to-bakari-ni/) — because it also connects a single cause to a (sometimes softened) outcome - [/blog/n1-to-areba/](/blog/n1-to-areba/) — because it also sets up a condition under which a statement holds ## Learn と言え(いえ)なくもない with Hane If you want to review **と言え(いえ)なくもない** 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/)