～ない～はない【ない～はない】

The pattern ～ない～はない uses a double negative to create a strong affirmative meaning. By saying "there is no [noun] that doesn't [verb]," you effectively express that everything does or everyone does the action. It often translates to "there is nothing/no one that doesn't…" or more naturally as "everything/everyone…" in English.

Basic structure

A verb in its ない-form modifies a noun, and then はない (or はいない for living things) negates its existence – resulting in a double negative that emphasizes totality or completeness.

Emphasis and nuance

This pattern is stronger and more emphatic than simply saying "everyone does" or "always." It carries a sense of "without exception" or absolute certainty.

Compare with a plain affirmative:

• みんなこのうた歌をしっている知っている。 – Everyone knows this song. (neutral statement)
• このうた歌をしらない知らないひと人はいない。 – There is no one who doesn't know this song. (stronger emphasis)

Common nouns used in this pattern

This pattern frequently appears with nouns like ひと人 (person), こと (thing), ひ日 (day), ばしょ場所 (place), and とき時 (time).

Casual vs. polite

In casual speech, the final ない stays as is. In polite speech, use ありません or いません.