なくて (Sequence)

To not ~ and ~, Not ~ and ~ (Conjugations)

JLPT N4
Pattern

Verb (ない-form → なくて)

How it works

なくて is the て-form of ない. It links a negative to what follows: 子どもじゃなくて大人です (not a child but an adult), 高くなくてよかった (glad it wasn't expensive).

Examples

  • これは 水じゃなくて、おさけです。This isn't water, it's sake.
  • テストが むずかしくなくて よかった。I'm glad the test wasn't hard.

Related grammar

Further reading

Bunpro N4 · Lesson 1

Put your practice together

Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.
Choose a practice session