GrammarN12 min read2026-02-17

〜なくして(は)

States that a certain condition is absolutely necessary for something to happen.

Meaning

This grammar pattern expresses a condition of non-existence, and is used when you want to say that a certain condition is absolutely necessary to do something. It has the same meaning as 「…がなければ」 (if there is no ...). The sentence following なくして usually takes a negative form.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
Nounなくして(は)

Examples

  1. 努力なくしては、結果は出せない。
    Without effort, you cannot achieve results.

  2. この製品のヒットなくして、我が社の発展はなかったと思っています。
    I believe that without the success of this product, our company's growth would not have happened.

  3. 国民の協力なくしては、この国の平和は守れません。
    Without the cooperation of the people, the peace of this country cannot be maintained.

  4. 町工場のがんばりなくしては、日本のものづくりはここまで発展しなかっただろう。
    Without the hard work of small factories, Japanese manufacturing probably wouldn't have developed this far.

Summary

  • 「〜なくして(は)」 means "without ..., (cannot) ..."
  • Attaches to Noun

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