GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜なくて
Connects a negative form to the following clause so that the negative state serves as its reason or background.
Examples
時間がなくて、朝ご飯を食べませんでした。
I did not eat breakfast because I did not have time.
Words used
道が分からなくて、駅で聞いた。
I did not know the way, so I asked at the station.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Change the ending
ないof a negative form toなくてto connect another clause. - Basic usage: In
道が分からなくて、駅で聞いた。, not knowing the way is the reason for asking.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Reason versus without doing
分からなくて聞くmeans asking because one does not know;聞かないで帰るmeans leaving without asking. Distinguish the connection made byなくてfrom that made byないで.
- Negating the availability of time
- The
ないin時間がなくてexpresses a lack of time. Although its starting form differs from a verb negative such as行かなくて, both connect using the endingなくて.
- The