Meaning
This pattern has two usages. In the first usage, it means "without doing X, Y cannot happen" — expressing a necessary condition. In the second usage, it means "without doing anything in particular" — describing an action done without a specific purpose or target.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Plain form (negative) | ことなしに...ない |
Examples
-
この論文を完成させることなしに、卒業は出来ません。
You cannot graduate without completing this thesis. -
今日中にお返事をいただくことなしに、作業を進められません。
We cannot proceed with the work without receiving your reply by today. -
著作権者の許可を得ることなしに、この映像を勝手にネットにアップロードすることはできません。
You cannot upload this footage to the internet without obtaining the copyright holder's permission. -
その画家は、最後の作品を完成させることなしに永眠した。
The painter passed away without completing his final work. -
私はいつも、海外旅行の一日目はホテルに着くと、何をするということなしに、荷物を整理したり、ベッドに寝転んでテレビを見たりして過ごします。
On the first day of a trip abroad, I always arrive at the hotel and spend the time without doing anything in particular — organizing my luggage, lying on the bed, and watching TV. -
「あ〜あ、明日が休日だったらいいのになあ」と彼は誰ということなしにつぶやいた。
"Ahh, I wish tomorrow were a holiday," he muttered to no one in particular.
Summary
- 「〜ことなしに」 means "without doing...; unless..."
- Used with plain form to express a necessary condition or an action done without specific intent