N3 · Structured courses

～Koto Nashi ni: Without Doing

Learn koto nashi ni — the written form of zu ni/naide for "without doing A, B." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn koto nashi ni — the written form of zu ni/naide for "without doing A, B."
  • Form and connection: [Noun/Verb辞书形] ことなしに
  • Nuance in real use: ことなしに is often used for "no B without A" causal relationships — it implies A is a necessary prerequisite for B. It's especially common in Japanese proverbs and life lessons.

Form and connection

[Noun/Verb辞书形] ことなしに

Core Explanation

Learn koto nashi ni — the written form of zu ni/naide for "without doing A, B."

Cultural Note

ことなしに is often used for "no B without A" causal relationships — it implies A is a necessary prerequisite for B. It's especially common in Japanese proverbs and life lessons.

Practical examples

Without effort, there is no success.
You must not enter without obtaining permission.
Without failure, growth is impossible.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun/Verb辞书形] ことなしに
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerWithout effort, there is no success.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer失敗しっぱいすることなしに成長せいちょうはありえない。 ([Noun/Verb辞书形] ことなしに)

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