に（も）なく (ni mo naku)

Meaning & usage

に（も）なく follows a noun and means something is happening to a degree unlike that noun's norm, as in 例年になく or いつになく. It emphasizes an unusual, exceptional state compared with the usual case. Note that になくてはならない is a separate expression meaning indispensable.

Example sentences 8

1. 私わたしたちは今年ことしは例年れいねんになく暑あつい夏なつを経験けいけんしそうだ。

   We are in for an unusually hot summer this year.

2. ウーッ、今日の練習はいつになくハードで辛い。

   Whoo! Today's practice is tough - much harder than usual.

3. 彼女はぼくの事務所になくてはならない人だ。

   She is a treasure to my office.

4. 彼女は今までになく引っ込み思案なタイプだ。

   She's the most introverted person I've ever met.

5. 何時になく疲れが早く出て、私は、とある岩角に腰を下ろしました。

   As was unusual for me, I got tired quickly and I sat down on the edge of a rock.

6. われにもなく、彼はちょっと身震いした。

   He shivered a little in spite of himself.

7. この冬は例年になく雪が多かった。

   We have had more snow than usual this winter.

8. 例年になく寒い冬だそうですね。

   I hear that you are having an unusually cold winter.