By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
～をおいては and ～をおいて are used to emphasize that there is no better alternative or no other option than the one mentioned. It expresses strong praise, trust, or reliance.
Translation: Except for / Other than / Without (someone or something)
Form:
- Noun + をおいて(は)
This structure is often followed by expressions like ない, meaning “there is no one else” or “nothing else but…”.
💡 Example Sentences
- 彼をおいて、この仕事を任せられる人はいない。
There is no one other than him who can be trusted with this job. - 日本語でスピーチできるのは、山田さんをおいて他にいない。
There’s no one other than Yamada-san who can give a speech in Japanese. - この問題を解決できるのは、あなたをおいてほかにいない。
There’s no one other than you who can solve this problem. - 彼女をおいて、誰がチームをまとめられるというのか。
Who else but her can lead this team? - この道一筋でやってきた彼をおいて、最適な人材はいない。
No one else but him, who has followed this path for so long, is the right person.
📝 Grammar Notes
- This expression is typically used to make strong assertions.
- Often used with phrases like 他にいない・考えられない・ない.
- Not typically used in casual conversation; more appropriate in formal or written Japanese.
- Frequently used to highlight someone’s unique capabilities or role.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks
- この難しいプロジェクトを任せられるのは、彼＿＿＿＿他にいない。
- この分野において、彼女＿＿＿＿第一人者はいない。
- 次のリーダーには、山田さん＿＿＿＿適任者はいない。
✔ Answers:
- をおいて
- をおいて
- をおいて
2. Translate into Japanese
- There is no one else but her who can do this job.
- Except for Tanaka, no one knows the details.
- Who else but him can speak five languages?
✔ Sample Answers:
- この仕事ができるのは、彼女をおいて他にいない。
- 田中さんをおいて、詳細を知っている人はいない。
- 5カ国語を話せるのは、彼をおいて誰がいるのか。
🔗 Related Grammar
- ～に限る: Nothing beats / Best is…
- ～なくしては: Without… (impossible to…)
- ～のほか（に）はない: No other than…
🧠 Summary
- Meaning: Except for / Other than
- Level: JLPT N1
- Form: Noun + をおいて(は)
- Usage: Used to strongly emphasize uniqueness or the only viable option
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
