なしに〜ない
Cannot happen without / Impossible unless ~ exists Used to state that a condition is required for a result to occur.
N1
Meaning
Cannot happen without / Impossible unless ~ exists Used to state that a condition is required for a result to occur.
Formation
Noun + なしに + は / も + Verb (negative)
Explanation
なしに〜ない is used to say that without a certain condition, the result cannot happen.
It expresses necessity, but in a softer and slightly less rigid way than なくして〜ない.
Key nuance:
Focuses on practical necessity
The condition is important, but not expressed as absolute or philosophical
Can be used in:
written Japanese
semi-formal speech
explanations and opinions
Neutral and logical, but not as heavy or authoritative as なくして〜ない
Compared to stronger forms, なしに〜ない sounds:
more flexible
less dramatic
more common in everyday formal writing