と言えなくもない 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, と言えなくもない is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural, nuanced precision to your Japanese.
With と言えなくもない, you're not asserting — you're laying a possibility on the table. It's the language of careful reasoning.
What does と言えなくもない mean?
Use と言えなくもない 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 literal structure is a double negative: と言えない (“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 と言えなくもない
A complete clause (plain form) + と言えなくもない。
Examples of the pattern:
- この計画は成功した成功したと言えなくもない。
- 彼の意見は正しいと言えなくもない。
- この料理はちょっと辛すぎると言えなくもない。
The clause that precedes と言えなくもない 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 と言えなくもない used?
Use と言えなくもない 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
と言えなくもない example sentences
After reading each sentence, ask what job と言えなくもない is doing: conceding a possibility without full commitment.
Nuance of と言えなくもない
The key nuance is hesitant affirmation. The double negative creates distance. Unlike と言ってもいい, which confidently grants permission (“you can safely say”), と言えなくもない 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.
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, it is softer and more circuitous.
と言えなくもない vs と言ってもいい
Both と言えなくもない and と言ってもいい can be used to offer a statement, but they are very different in strength.
と言えなくもない:
- hesitant affirmation; the speaker admits a viewpoint while keeping distance
- often followed by a contrasting “but” or a limitation
と言ってもいい:
- straightforward permission or assertion; “it is safe to say”
- carries more confidence and less hedging
Quick contrast examples:
Is the sentence cautious, hedging, and potentially followed by a reservation? Or does it give a clear, firm evaluation?
Common mistakes with と言えなくもない
Watch out for these mistakes:
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with と言えなくもない, then rewrite it with と言ってもいい.
Is と言えなくもない on the JLPT?
Yes. と言えなくもない is commonly taught as JLPT N1 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
Expect it in 読解 (reading comprehension) where a character uses it to show partial agreement, or in 文法 (grammar) as a sentence-completion item with a following が (but).
Practice questions for と言えなくもない
Learning path for と言えなくもない
To learn と言えなくもない efficiently, start with its formation as a double-negation pattern, then compare it with similar expressions, and finally practice in context.
Related grammar to review next
- /blog/n1-to-aimatte/ — because it also expresses a connection between factors, helpful for balanced judgments
- /blog/n1-to-atte/ — because it also conveys a reason or circumstance that leads to a nuanced conclusion
- /blog/n1-to-bakari-ni/ — because it also connects a single cause to a (sometimes softened) outcome
- /blog/n1-to-areba/ — because it also sets up a condition under which a statement holds
Learn と言えなくもない with Hane
If you want to review と言えなくもない together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here:
FAQ about と言えなくもない
What does と言えなくもない (to ienaku mo nai) mean in Japanese?
と言えなくもない (to ienaku mo nai) means “one can even say that; it can also be said that”. It is JLPT N1 grammar. Use と言えなくもない 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.
How do you form と言えなくもない (to ienaku mo nai)?
A complete clause (plain form) + と言えなくもない。
What is the difference between と言えなくもない and と言ってもいい?
と言えなくもない: hesitant affirmation; the speaker admits a viewpoint while keeping distance; often followed by a contrasting "but" or a limitation. と言ってもいい: straightforward permission or assertion; “it is safe to say”; carries more confidence and less hedging.
What is an example sentence with と言えなくもない (to ienaku mo nai)?
成功した言えなくもないが、問題も残っている。 — One could even say it was a success, but problems remain.