に越したことはない
🃏 Flashcard
に越したことはない
ni koshita koto wa nai
Tap to reveal usage
it’s best that, nothing better than
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
ni koshita koto wa nai
Post ID
51088
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
it’s best that, nothing better than
📖 How to use it
Expresses that there is nothing better than a certain action or state; it's best to do something.
Attaches to
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb or the plain past form of a verb (e.g., 行くに越したことはない, 行ったに越したことはない). Also attaches to nouns with である (e.g., 静かであるに越したことはない).
This pattern is used to say that doing something or being in a certain state is the best option, with no better alternative. It implies a strong recommendation based on caution or prudence. It often appears in advice or reasoning about what is preferable to avoid problems.
旅行の前には、天気予報を確認するに越したことはない。
Ryokō no mae ni wa, tenki yohō o kakunin suru ni koshita koto wa nai.
Before traveling, it's best to check the weather forecast.
新しいパソコンを買うなら、性能がいいものに越したことはない。
Atarashii pasokon o kau nara, seinō ga ii mono ni koshita koto wa nai.
If you're buying a new computer, there's nothing better than one with good performance.
健康のためには、早寝早起きするに越したことはない。
Kenkō no tame ni wa, hayanebayaoki suru ni koshita koto wa nai.
For your health, it's best to go to bed early and get up early.
Not ほうがいい
ほうがいい is a direct recommendation to someone (You should...), while に越したことはない expresses a general truth about what is ideal, often without directly telling someone to do it.
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Standard, used in both speaking and writing, but slightly formal; common in advice and explanatory contexts.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
に越したことはない
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat に越したことはない 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 に越したことはない. 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 N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern に越したことはない mean?
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It’s best that, nothing better than
What JLPT level is に越したことはない?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use に越したことはない in a sentence?
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Attach に越したことはない (ni koshita koto wa nai) 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 に越したことはない formal or casual Japanese?
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に越したことはない 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 に越したことはない 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.