Japanese grammar
What does ～なしに mean? Japanese grammar N1
～なしに means without…; without going through….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + なしに 動詞 辞書形 + ことなしに |
| Romaji | nashini |
| Meaning | without…; without going through… |
Forming it
| Noun | 許可 + なしに |
|---|---|
| Verb | 休む + ことなしに |
How to use it
Does B WITHOUT/skipping A (a step/permission that would normally be needed). Formal.
- 「～なしに」 = "does B without A / without going through A". A is a step/condition that would normally be needed.
- The form 「ことなしに」 attaches to a verb: "does A without a break" (in one stretch, without resting).
- Close to 「なくして」 but 「なしに」 emphasizes "without/not going through A"; 「なくして」 emphasizes an essential condition (without it, impossible).
Examples
許可なしに、部屋に入ってはいけない。
You must not enter the room without permission.
彼は休むことなしに、働き続けた。
He kept working without taking a break.
Keep in mind
- Noun 「なしに」; verb 「ことなしに」.
- More formal than 「ないで」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong許可なしに、成功はない。
Without effort, there is no success.
Correct努力なくして、成功はない。
Stating an ESSENTIAL condition (without it, impossible) uses 「なくして」; 「なしに」 = doing something without/skipping A.
-
Wrong休むなしに、働いた。
He worked without taking a break.
Correct休むことなしに、働いた。
For verbs, use 「ことなしに」 (add 「こと」).
Exam tips
- 「なしに」 = without/skipping A while doing B; for verbs, use 「ことなしに」.