【JLPT N1 Grammar】～でなくてなんだろう – It Must Be… / Nothing But…

📘 ～でなくてなんだろう is an advanced JLPT N1 grammar pattern used to strongly assert that something can only be described a certain way. It translates to “it must be…” or “nothing but…” and expresses certainty, admiration, or deep emotional conviction. It is often used in written or formal contexts to emphasize praise or acknowledgment.

🔍 Meaning & Nuance

• ➡️ ～でなくてなんだろう = It must be… / Nothing but… / How could it be anything else but…
• 🧠 Used to express strong admiration, certainty, or emotional conviction.
• 🎯 A rhetorical expression (no actual answer expected).
• 📗 Mainly used in formal writing, essays, speeches, or reviews.

🧱 Formation

💡 Example Sentences

• 🎨 この絵画は名画でなくてなんだろう。
  This painting must be a masterpiece.
• ☕ このコーヒーの香りは至福のひとときでなくてなんだろう。
  The aroma of this coffee is nothing but pure bliss.
• 🌸 春の訪れは希望の象徴でなくてなんだろう。
  The arrival of spring can only be a symbol of hope.
• 🎶 彼の歌声は天国のメロディでなくてなんだろう。
  His singing voice can only be described as a heavenly melody.
• 📚 この本の知識は宝の山でなくてなんだろう。
  The knowledge in this book is nothing but a treasure trove.
• 🏆 彼女の努力は勝利への道標でなくてなんだろう。
  Her effort must be the guiding light to victory.
• 🌅 夕日の美しさは奇跡でなくてなんだろう。
  The beauty of the sunset can only be described as a miracle.

📝 Notes & Tips

• ✔️ Rhetorical expression (no answer expected).
• ✔️ Conveys admiration, strong emotion, or certainty.
• ⚠️ Mostly used in formal or literary contexts, not in casual conversations.

✍️ Practice Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks

1. This night view is nothing but a city’s jewel.
   この夜景は都市の宝石＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
2. His acting skills must be nothing but talent of a genius.
   彼の演技力は天才の才能＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
3. This music can only be described as healing for the soul.
   この音楽は心の癒し＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。

B. Translate into Japanese

1. This film is nothing but pure art.
2. The fragrance of this flower can only be a miracle.
3. Her smile must be a ray of sunlight.

C. Make your own sentences

✏️ Create 2 original sentences using ～でなくてなんだろう to express admiration or strong conviction.

✅ Answer Key

A. Fill in the blanks

1. この夜景は都市の宝石でなくてなんだろう。
2. 彼の演技力は天才の才能でなくてなんだろう。
3. この音楽は心の癒しでなくてなんだろう。

B. Translation Answers

1. この映画は純粋な芸術でなくてなんだろう。
2. この花の香りは奇跡でなくてなんだろう。
3. 彼女の笑顔は太陽の光でなくてなんだろう。

C. Example Answers

• 🔸 あの演奏会場の静けさは聖堂の雰囲気でなくてなんだろう。
  The silence in that concert hall can only be the ambiance of a cathedral.
• 🔸 深い森の緑は絵画のような美しさでなくてなんだろう。
  The lush green of the forest must be nothing but the beauty of a painting.

📊 Summary