JLPT N1 grammar

〜ならではmeaning and usage

Meaning

B is only possible at/with A; If it's not A, B is impossible

How to form it

  • nounならではのnoun
  • nounならではだ

How it is used

'Only A has (or can do) this': praises a feature, atmosphere or skill unique to A, mostly as 「AならではのB」. Not normally used for bad things. Stresses uniqueness more than 「〜らしい」.

Examples

  1. あんなにたくさんの護衛が付くなんて、首相ならではね。

    With all those guards: it can only be the Prime Minister.

  2. この町ならではの料理を食べてみたい。

    I'd like to try the food that only this town has.

  3. 家族が集まってにぎやかに過ごせるのも、お正月ならではだ。

    Having the whole family gather for a lively time is something only New Year brings.