〜ないで

Formation

N5TimeNeutral
ない-Form
Verb

Meaning

To do B without doing A, or to do B instead of A.

Note

Indicates that the action in the second clause is performed without performing the action in the first clause. It can represent a state of 'without' (carrying no umbrella), a choice of 'instead of' (riding a bus instead of walking), or a manner of action. This form is specific to verbs; for nouns and adjectives, 'nakute' is used instead. For a more formal or literary equivalent, see 'zu ni'.

Examples

朝ごはんを食べないで学校に行った。

I went to school without eating breakfast.

傘を持たないで出かけた。

I went out without taking an umbrella.

何も言わないで帰ってしまった。

He went home without saying anything.

寝ないで勉強した。

I studied without sleeping.

Conjugation Reference