Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 18/23

てからでないと

(Not) unless ~ cannot, (Not) until ~ cannot

Structure

Verb[て] + からでない + (Negative)
Verb[て] + からなければ + (Negative)

Details

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About てからでないと

Constructed from the て-form of verbs, から 'from', で, ない, and と, てからでないと is a grammar pattern that expresses that 'unless (A), (B) will not happen', or 'until (A), you cannot (B)'. Due to this, the (B) part of sentences that use this grammar pattern will always be negative.

This structure simply indicates that (B) must come after (A). This could be in relation either to (A) and (B) being finished, or simply to (B) becoming possible after (A).

Alternatively, the hypothetical ば form may be used instead of と. This will appear as てからでなければ.

てからでないと can be thought of as an extension of the base てから grammar pattern that expresses that (B) only happens after (A).

Examples

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    サンプルを()てからでないと()うかどうかは()められません

    Until I see the sample, I cannot decide whether to buy it or not.

    猫舌(ねこじた)なので、()めてからでないと()ない

    Since I am sensitive to hot things, until it cools, I cannot drink it.

    電源(でんげん)()ってからでないと、コンセントを()いてはいけません

    Unless you turn off the power, you cannot unplug it.

    サークルに(はい)ってからでないと活動(かつどう)参加(さんか)できない

    Unless you join (enter) the club, you cannot participate in the activities.

    撮影(さつえい)してからでないと、ギャラは(はい)ません

    Until you (take) some photographs, you will not be paid.

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てからでないと – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

  • dokidokiwakuwaku

    dokidokiwakuwaku

    Would it be possible to get an explanation of how this grammar point differs from ないことには(~ない)? Thank you!

  • Scorzophyc

    Scorzophyc

    The individual components of this grammar structure make sense to me except 「から」.

    What is the 「から」doing here?

  • nekoyama

    nekoyama

    In てから, it means “after” (grammar point for てから).

    So, roughly, “if it’s not after doing…”

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