# ないことはない: not impossible; can do somewhat

> Learn how to use ないことはない, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning not impossible; can do somewhat, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-nai-koto-wa-nai/

**ないことはない** means **not impossible; can do somewhat**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **give a double-negative, reluctant possibility**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **give a double-negative, reluctant possibility**, **ないことはない** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does ないことはない mean?

Use **ないことはない** when you want to **give a double-negative, reluctant possibility**.

Natural translations include:
- not impossible; can do somewhat
- not impossible
- not impossible / can do somewhat

## How to form ないことはない

ない-form + ことはない

Examples of the pattern:
- できないことはない
- 行けないことはない
- 分からないことはない

## When is ないことはない used?

Use **ないことはない** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## ないことはない example sentences

- 行けないことはないが、少し遠い。 — It is not impossible to go, but it is a bit far.
- 食べられないことはないが、辛すぎる。 — I can eat it, but it is too spicy.
- 分からないことはないが、説明は難しい。 — I do understand somewhat, but explaining it is hard.
- できないことはないけれど、時間がかかる。 — I can do it, but it will take time.
- 好きじゃないことはないが、毎日は見ない。 — It is not that I dislike it, but I do not watch it every day.

## Nuance of ないことはない

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “not impossible; can do somewhat” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **ないことはない** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **できる**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## ないことはない vs できる

Both **ないことはない** and **できる** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**ないことはない**:
- means **not impossible; can do somewhat**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**できる**:
- できる is direct ability; ないことはない sounds hesitant or conditional

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 行けないことはないが、少し遠い。 — It is not impossible to go, but it is a bit far.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **できる** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with ないことはない

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using ないことはない with the wrong form
- Confusing ないことはない with できる
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is ないことはない on the JLPT?

Yes. **ないことはない** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for ないことはない

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using ないことはない.
- Contrast ないことはない with できる.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for ないことはない

To learn **ないことはない** efficiently, review plain negation first, then practice stronger “no way / cannot” meanings with clear evidence.

1. First, make sure you can form **ないことはない** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [わけがない](/blog/n3-wake-ga-nai/), [ようがない](/blog/n3-you-ga-nai/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where the context proves something is impossible or unlikely; then check whether replacing **ないことはない** with [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [わけがない](/blog/n3-wake-ga-nai/) — because it helps separate impossibility, strong negation, and inability.
- [ようがない](/blog/n3-you-ga-nai/) — because it helps separate impossibility, strong negation, and inability.
- [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/) — because it helps separate impossibility, strong negation, and inability.
- [がたい](/blog/n3-gatai/) — because it helps separate impossibility, strong negation, and inability.

## Learn ないことはない with Hane

If you want to review **ないことはない** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)