N3 Contrast, Comparison, and Concession

~ないことはない: meaning, usage and examples

~ないことはない means: it's not that (I) can't / don't... (a reluctant yes).

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 魚さかなを食たべないことはないですが、あまり好すきではありません。

   It's not that I don't eat fish, I just don't like it that much.

2. できないことはないですが、時間じかんがかかります。

   It's not that I can't do it, but it will take time.

3. 歩あるいて行いけないことはないですが、遠とおいですよ。

   You could walk there, but it's far.

4. 刺身さしみは食たべられないことはないですが、苦手にがてです。

   I can eat sashimi if I have to, but I'm not a fan.

When to use it

A double negative that gives a weak yes: 'it's not that I can't' or 'I do, but...'. Use it when something is possible or true, but only partly or reluctantly: できないことはないが、時間じかんがかかる 'I can do it, but it will take time'. A limiting phrase with が or けど often follows.

Nuance

Hesitant and modest; it softens a yes so it does not sound like a promise. It is common with potential verbs (食たべられない, 行いけない). Polite form: ないことはないです or ないことはありません.

Compare

Compare わけではない, which denies a guess: 嫌きらいなわけではない 'it's not that I hate it'. ないことはない admits a possibility: 食たべられないことはない 'I can eat it if I have to'. Do not confuse it with ことはない (no need): 心配しんぱいすることはない 'there's no need to worry'.

Tip: Read it as "it is not impossible." The meaning is a reluctant yes, usually followed by a but.