なくしては
🃏 Flashcard
なくしては
nakushite wa
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cannot do without ~
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
nakushite wa
Post ID
51282
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
cannot do without ~
📖 How to use it
Expresses that something cannot happen or be achieved without a particular thing or action.
Attaches to
Attach directly to a noun. For verbs, use the noun form (the stem of the ます-form) of the verb, or nominalize the verb with こと and then attach なくしては. For example, 努力なくしては (without effort) or 努力することなくしては. The pattern does not attach to the ない-stem of a verb.
This pattern is a formal, emphatic way to say 'without ~', stressing that the absence of that thing makes the outcome impossible. It is often used in written language, speeches, or serious discussions. When used with nouns, it directly follows the noun. For verbs, the verb must be converted to its noun form (the ます-stem) or nominalized with こと, and then なくしては follows. For instance, 努力する → 努力しなくては is not used; instead, say 努力することなくしては or simply 努力なくしては. The main clause typically ends with a negative expression like できない, ありえない, or 不可能だ.
あなたの協力なくしては、このプロジェクトは成功しなかったでしょう。
Anata no kyouryoku nakushite wa, kono purojekuto wa seikou shinakatta deshou.
Without your cooperation, this project would not have succeeded.
努力なくしては、目標を達成することはできない。
Doryoku nakushite wa, mokuhyou o tassei suru koto wa dekinai.
Without effort, you cannot achieve your goals.
彼のリーダーシップなくしては、会社は危機を乗り越えられなかっただろう。
Kare no riidaashippu nakushite wa, kaisha wa kiki o norikoerarenakatta darou.
Without his leadership, the company probably could not have overcome the crisis.
Not なしに / なしでは
なしに also means 'without' but is used for actions that happen despite the lack, e.g., 許可なしに入る (enter without permission). なしでは is similar to なくしては but is more neutral and less emphatic; なくしては has a stronger sense of impossibility and is more formal.
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This is a formal, literary pattern mainly used in writing, speeches, or formal discussion; it sounds unnatural in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
なくしては
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat なくしては three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using なくしては. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern なくしては mean?
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Cannot do without ~
What JLPT level is なくしては?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use なくしては in a sentence?
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Attach なくしては (nakushite wa) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is なくしては formal or casual Japanese?
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なくしては is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember なくしては long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.