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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 〜ことでもない

    〜ことでもない

    〜ことでもない

    Indicates that an action or situation is not significant, important, or difficult enough to warrant a particular response or effort. It's often used to mean 'not worth doing X', 'no need to X', or 'it's not a big deal'.

    N2KMT5CasualStandardNominal ConstructionMixedNot Worth Doing Or MentioningGrammar

    Verb [dictionary form] + ことでもないPrimary
    Noun + の + ことでもない

    This means something is not a big deal. It is not important. You do not need to do anything special.

    このくらいの修しゅう理りなら、業ぎょう者しゃを呼よぶことでもないよ。

    For a repair of this level, it's not worth calling a professional.

    CasualNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeHome & HousingDaily Life
    少すこし練れん習しゅうすれば、できないことでもないと思おもいます。

    If I practice a bit, I think it's not something I can't do (i.e., I think I could do it).

    PoliteNon PastNegativeMid SentenceDeclarativeCore ConceptsEducation
    あんなに怒おこることでもなかったのに、ついカッとなってしまった。

    It wasn't something to get that angry about, but I just lost my temper.

    NeutralPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeEmotions & PsychologyDaily Life
    驚おどろくことでもありません。彼かれの才さい能のうを考かんがえれば当とう然ぜんの結けっ果かです。

    It's not something to be surprised about. Considering his talent, it's a natural outcome.

    PoliteNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeArt & DesignCore Concepts
    そんなこと、わざわざ僕ぼくに聞きくことでもないだろう。

    That's not something you need to go out of your way to ask me, is it?

    CasualNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingConjecturalDaily LifeFamily & Relationships

    This grammar makes a double negative. It means 'it's not that I can't do it'. This shows you think something is possible. It makes your words sound softer.

    This is different from other similar phrases. "〜までもない" means something is very obvious. "〜には及ばない" is a polite way to say "no, thank you." "〜ことでもない" is more casual. It means something is not a big deal. It is not worth much effort.

    Use this when you want to be humble. It shows that something is not a big deal. It helps everyone feel comfortable.

    Less formal alternatives(3)

    〜までもない

    This means you do not need to do something. It is not necessary. Everyone already knows the answer.

    〜にはあたらない

    This means something is not a big deal. It is not special enough to get a strong reaction. You do not need to be surprised or upset.

    〜には及ばない(にはおよばない)

    This phrase means you do not need to do something. It shows that it is not necessary.

    辞書形

    This is the basic form of a verb. It is what you find in a dictionary. You use it to make other verb forms.

    〜こと

    This word makes a verb or sentence into a noun. It talks about facts, events, or actions. It sounds more formal than '~の'.

    〜も

    This word means 'also' or 'too'. It shows that something is an extra part of a group.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    less_formal_than

    • 〜までもない
    • 〜にはあたらない
    • 〜には及ばない(にはおよばない)

    prerequisite

    • 辞書形
    • 〜こと
    • 〜も
    • 〜に堪えない(〜にたえない)

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