You use this to show surprise. You also use it when you find something out. It is like saying 'Isn't it?' or 'It is, after all!'
Noun + じゃないかPrimary
な-Adjective + じゃないか
い-Adjective + じゃないか
Verb [plain form] + じゃないか
Clause + ではないか
You use this to show surprise. You also use it when you find something out. It is like saying 'Isn't it?' or 'It is, after all!'
あ、ここに財布があったじゃないか。もう、探したんだから。
Oh, my wallet was here all along, wasn't it?! Geez, I was looking all over for it.
何度も言ったじゃないか。火の元には気をつけろって。
I told you so many times, didn't I? To be careful with fire.
素晴らしいアイデアではないか。ぜひ進めよう。
Isn't that a wonderful idea? Let's definitely proceed with it.
さあ、みんなで歌おうじゃないか！
Come on, let's all sing together!
彼が来ないなんて、おかしいじゃないか。
The fact that he's not coming is strange, isn't it?
This phrase can make your suggestion sound strong. It's like saying, 'Let's really do this!' It can also make your words sound more like a man talking. In polite talk, it helps you share an idea softly. You can point out a problem without being rude.
This is different from 〜じゃん. 〜じゃないか shows more surprise. It asks a question but already knows the answer. 〜じゃん just confirms something. The formal 〜ではないか is for speeches or writing. 〜じゃないか is for talking. 〜じゃんか can sound more like an accusation.
Use this when you find something new. You can also use it to say something is true. Or ask a question when you expect a "yes" answer. You can also use it to gently correct someone.
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