Meaning
Although grammatically negative, ~んじゃない expresses a positive assertion or suggestion. It's used when you're fairly confident about something and want to invite the listener's opinion or agreement. The phrase いいんじゃない means 'that's good, isn't it?' rather than actual disagreement.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词 | 普通形 + んじゃない |
| い形容词 | んじゃない |
| な形容词 | な + んじゃない |
| 名词 | な + んじゃない |
Examples
-
A:田中さんは今日来ないのですか。B:田中さんは大阪に出張に行ったんじゃない?
A: Isn't Tanaka coming today? B: Didn't Tanaka go on a business trip to Osaka? -
早く出かけたほうがいいんじゃない?
Wouldn't it be better to leave earlier? -
A:アルバイトの高橋さんは、若いですね。B:彼は、まだ学生なんじゃない?
A: Your part-time coworker Takahashi seems young. B: Isn't he still a student?
Summary
- Despite negative form, it conveys positive meaning and agreement-seeking
- Used when speaker is confident and wants listener's input or confirmation
- Common in casual conversation; いいんじゃない means 'that's good/fine, isn't it?'