〜をおいて(他に)ない

None Other than

Level 5Sounds Like wooite(hokani)nai

〜をおいて(他に)ない is a formal expression meaning 'none other than' or 'no one but.' It is used to praise someone or something as the unique, perfect choice for a specific situation.

How It Works

The grammar pattern 〜をおいて(他に)ない is an advanced expression (equivalent to JLPT N1) typically found in formal writing, speeches, or professional recommendations. While categorized as Level 5 in this system, please note it is a highly sophisticated literary form, not to be confused with beginner N5 material.

Key Characteristics:

  • Exclusivity: It implies that out of all possible options, only one truly fits the criteria.
  • High Evaluation: It is used to express high praise. You wouldn't use this for something negative or mundane.
  • Structure: It attaches directly to a Noun. The word 他に（ほかに - other/else） is often added for extra emphasis but is not strictly required.
  • Ending Variation: Use いない when the subject is a person, and ない when referring to objects, methods, or time.
  • Formal Register: This is not used in casual daily conversation. It belongs in contexts like business, literature, or formal ceremonies.

While the sentence usually ends in ない or いない, it can occasionally end in a rhetorical question like 「〜をおいて他に誰がいようか」(Who else could there be but...?).

Examples (4)

  1. 次期社長にふさわしい人物は、彼をおいて他にいない。

    There is no one more suitable to be the next president than him.

    Word by Word: Next president suitable person-as-for, him excluding other not-exist.

    This emphasizes that 'he' is the absolute best and only choice for the leadership role.

  2. 新しい事業を始めるなら、景気の良い今をおいて他にない。

    If you are going to start a new business, there is no better time than now while the economy is good.

    Word by Word: New business start if, economy good now excluding other not-exist.

    Here, the pattern is used with 'time' (now) to indicate the perfect, unique opportunity.

  3. この難曲を完璧に弾きこなせるピアニストは、彼女をおいて他にいないだろう。

    There is likely no pianist other than her who can perform this difficult piece flawlessly.

    Word by Word: This difficult-piece perfectly play-can pianist-as-for, her excluding other not-exist probably.

    This uses the pattern to express high praise for the pianist's unique skill level.

  4. 平和への道を築けるリーダーは、あなたをおいて他に誰がいようか。

    Who else but you could be the leader to build a path to peace?

    Word by Word: Peace toward path build-can leader-as-for, you excluding other who exist-shall?

    This shows the rhetorical question variation, emphasizing that 'you' are the only one capable.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the pattern for negative or undesirable situations.

    こんなひどい嘘をつく人は、彼をおいて他にいない。
    こんなひどい嘘をつくのは、彼ぐらいのものだ。

    〜をおいて(他に)ない carries a nuance of high evaluation or 'best-in-class.' Using it to describe a liar or a criminal sounds unnatural. Use expressions like 〜ぐらいのものだ for negative uniqueness.

  • Confusing it with 'having no choice' (resignation).

    お金がないから、歩いて行くをおいて他にない。
    お金がないから、歩いて行くしかない。

    If you are forced to do something because there are no other options (resignation), use しかない or よりほかない. 〜をおいて is for active preference and praise.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

〜をおいて(他に)ないLevel 5None Other than

Learn This First

The pattern '〜をおいて(他に)ない' is a formal expression used to emphasize that something or someone is the unique or best choice. It literally translates to 'if you set [X] aside, there is no other,' so it requires knowledge of the object marker 'を', the te-form of verbs, and the concept of 'other' (他に).

Words in This Pattern

を措いて措く