# に相違ない: without a doubt; certainly > Learn how to use に相違ない, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning without a doubt; certainly, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-ni-soui-nai/ **に相違ない** means **without a doubt; certainly**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **make a formal assertion that something is surely true**. This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **に相違ない** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis. ## What does に相違ない mean? Use **に相違ない** when you want to **make a formal assertion that something is surely true**. Natural translations include: - without a doubt; certainly - depending on context - in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas. ## How to form に相違ない Plain form + に相違ない Examples of the pattern: - これは本物に相違ない。 - 彼の努力が成功の理由に相違ない。 - この資料は重要な証拠に相違ない。 In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form. ## When is に相違ない used? Use **に相違ない** in situations like: - reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays - making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would - connecting two ideas with a clear nuance Tone and register: - usually neutral to formal - common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing ## に相違ない example sentences - これは本物に相違ない。 — This is undoubtedly genuine. - 彼の努力が成功の理由に相違ない。 — His effort is certainly the reason for success. - この資料は重要な証拠に相違ない。 — This document is undoubtedly important evidence. - その判断は正しいに相違ない。 — That judgment is surely correct. - 多くの人が彼女を支持するに相違ない。 — Many people will undoubtedly support her. After reading each sentence, ask what job **に相違ない** is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation. ## Nuance of に相違ない The key nuance is **make a formal assertion that something is surely true**. This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship. For example: - In formal writing, **に相違ない** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent. - Compared with **に違いない**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar. ## に相違ない vs に違いない Both **に相違ない** and **に違いない** can express related ideas, but they are different. **に相違ない**: - fits the N2 nuance explained above - often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic **に違いない**: - is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register - may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence Quick contrast examples: - これは本物に相違ない。 - Try rewriting the sentence with **に違いない** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes. ## Common mistakes with に相違ない Watch out for these mistakes: - Translating it too literally and missing the function in context - Confusing it with **に違いない** just because the English translation overlaps - Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **に相違ない**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words. ## Is に相違ない on the JLPT? Yes. **に相違ない** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar. 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 usually test context, not dictionary translation alone. ## Practice questions for に相違ない Try making your own sentences with these prompts: - Write one sentence that clearly needs **に相違ない**. - Write a second sentence with **に違いない** and compare the nuance. - Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural. ## Learning path for に相違ない To learn **に相違ない** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function. 1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural. 2. Then compare **に相違ない** with **に違いない** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families. 3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **に相違ない** necessary. ## Related grammar to review next - [n3 ni chigai nai](/blog/n3-ni-chigai-nai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [に決まっている](/blog/n2-ni-kimatte-iru/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register - [にほかならない](/blog/n2-ni-hoka-naranai/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register ## Learn に相違ない with Hane If you want to review **に相違ない** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)