N1nothing butpreciselyN1
~にほかならない (ni hoka naranai) - Nothing but; Is precisely
[Noun] + にほかならない
Quick answer
[Noun] + にほかならない means "Nothing but; Is precisely; Is exactly". As a N1 grammar point, it is tested in the JLPT. Detailed examples and a usage explanation are on this page.
Meaning
Nothing but; Is precisely; Is exactly
Explanation
Used to strongly emphasize that something is precisely what is stated and nothing else.
Examples
彼の成功は努力の賜物にほかならない。
かれのせいこうはどりょくのたまものにほかならない。
His success is nothing but the result of his efforts.
Practice this grammar
[Noun] + にほかならない
Which sentence correctly uses "~にほかならない (ni hoka naranai) - Nothing but; Is precisely"?
Vocabulary from these examples
Last updated Jul 4, 2026