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N4

じゃないか

Isn't it?, Is it not?

キヨコはもうすぐ来くるんじゃないか。

Isn't Kiyoko coming soon?

Explanation

「じゃないか」 has 2 uses

1Isn't it …?

With rising tone: checking, reminding or blaming: 「九時までに帰ってくるって言ったじゃないか」 didn't you say you'd be back by nine?

そのことじゃなかったか。

It was about that, wasn't it?

キヨコはもうすぐ来くるんじゃないか。

Isn't Kiyoko coming soon?

2Well, look at that

With falling tone: surprise at noticing something: 「あれ、田中さんじゃないか」 hey, it's Tanaka!

この着物きものは綺麗きれいじゃないか。

This kimono is beautiful, isn't it?

あなたの車くるまは私わたしの車くるまより速はやいじゃないか。

Your car is faster than my car, isn't it?

Mixed up with

Rising shows doubt or displeasure: 「約束が違うじゃないか↗」 (That's not what we agreed!). Falling shows surprise or pleasure: 「いい味じゃないか↘」 (Hey, this tastes good).

This is a very casual, close-friends style and can sound scolding. Do not use it with elders, bosses or clients. To confirm or guess, use 「~ではありませんか」 or 「~のではないでしょうか」.

Examples

1Isn't it …?

  1. 次つぎの駅えきで降おりるんじゃないか?

    The next station is the one we get off at, isn't it?

  2. そのことじゃなかったか。

    It was about that, wasn't it?

2Well, look at that

  1. あれカメラじゃないか!

    Isn't that a camera!?

  2. この着物きものは綺麗きれいじゃないか。

    This kimono is beautiful, isn't it?

Tested 2 times in past papers

N1 · Jul 2019, Q30N1 · Dec 2010, Q31