Meaning
「をおいて」 expresses limitation, meaning 「…のほかに (other than)」 or 「…を除いて (except for)」. The clause following it takes negative form, emphasizing that a certain person or thing is the only and best choice within a given scope.
This pattern is often used to express a high evaluation: "compared to everything else, ... is the best."
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Noun | をおいて |
Examples
-
これをおいてほかに方法はない。
There is no other way than this. -
A：あのブランドの店は明日に限って、セールをやるらしいですよ。
A: I heard that brand store is having a sale only tomorrow.
B：あのブランドはいつも高くて、めったにセールをしないから、買うチャンスは明日をおいてないかもしれない。
B: That brand is always expensive and rarely has sales, so the chance to buy may be tomorrow or never. -
総理大臣の適任者は彼をおいては考えられない。
I can't think of anyone more suitable for prime minister other than him. -
この案件の交渉ができるのは、経験のある木村君をおいてほかにいないだろう。
There's probably no one other than the experienced Kimura who can negotiate this case.
Summary
- 「〜をおいて」 means "there is no... other than," emphasizing uniqueness
- Must be followed by a negative form: 「〜をおいてほかに…ない」
- Often used to highly evaluate someone or something, expressing "there is no better choice"