〜なくて

Formationない stem + なくて

なくて links a negative clause to what follows as its cause or background. The train did not come, and so I was late. Keep it apart from ないで, which links actions rather than reasons.

Examples

〜なくて is marked in each sentence. Tap any word for its dictionary entry.

1. 余あまり心配しんぱいしなくていいよ。

   You needn't worry too much.

2. よく聞きいたら、ネタじゃなくてマジボケだったみたいです。

   When I asked afterwards it seems he hadn't said that as a joke.

3. 紙面しめんが足たりなくてこの問題もんだいを省はぶかなければならなかった。

   I had to leave out this problem for lack of space.

4. 従姉妹いとこの連絡れんらく先さきを教おしえられなくてごめん。

   I'm sorry I haven't been able to give you my cousin's contact info.

5. ええ、その、面白おもしろい男性だんせいにぜんぜんめぐり合あえなくてねぇ。

   Oh, it's just that I never meet any interesting men.