Processing keyword: ～そうにない (〜sou ni nai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～そうにない (〜sou ni nai)

～そうにない (〜sou ni nai)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ～そうにない is used in Japanese to express that something does not seem likely to happen or is unlikely to occur. It conveys the speaker's intuition or observation that a particular event or action probably won't take place.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～そうにない: It does not look like ~ / Unlikely to ~

Structure

The structure involves attaching ～そうにない to the masu-stem of a verb.

Formation Diagram:

Example:

• 食べます (tabemasu) → 食べ (tabe) → 食べそうにない

Detailed Explanation

1. Verb (masu-stem): Remove ます from the verb to get the stem.
2. Attach ～そうにない: This adds the meaning of "does not seem like" or "unlikely to".

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～そうだ: Indicates that something seems likely to happen.
  • Example: 雨が降りそうだ。 (It looks like it will rain.)
• ～そうにない vs ～なさそうだ:
  • ～そうにない is used with verbs.
  • ～なさそうだ is commonly used with adjectives.
  • Example:
    • 彼は来そうにない。 (It doesn't seem like he will come.)
    • 美味しくなさそうだ。 (It doesn't look tasty.)

Nuance Differences

• ～そうにない expresses a stronger conviction that something is unlikely.
• ～ないだろう is more neutral and less based on appearance.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 彼は試験に合格しそうにない。
   • He doesn't seem likely to pass the exam.
2. 今日中に仕事が終わりそうにない。
   • It doesn't look like I'll finish the work by today.
3. 電車は時間通りに来そうにない。
   • The train doesn't seem like it will arrive on time.
4. あのチームが勝ちそうにない。
   • It doesn't look like that team will win.
5. 彼女はこの提案に賛成しそうにない。
   • She is unlikely to agree with this proposal.

Context Variations

• Formal Written:
  • 計画は予定通りに進みそうにない。
    • The plan does not seem to be progressing as scheduled.
• Informal Spoken:
  • 雨、降りそうにないね。
    • Looks like it's not going to rain, huh?

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• The structure ～そうにない is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust politeness by changing the surrounding sentence, not the grammar point itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 望みがありそうにない
  • Unlikely to have hope (Bleak prospects)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the plain negative form instead of ～そうにない
  • Incorrect: 彼は来ないそうだ。 (This means "I heard he is not coming.")
  • Correct: 彼は来そうにない。 (He doesn't seem like he will come.)
• Attaching ～そうにない directly to the dictionary form
  • Incorrect: 来るそうにない。
  • Correct: 来そうにない。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ～そう (seems likely) and add にない to flip the meaning to "does not seem likely".
• Visualizing: Imagine observing a situation and making a judgment call that something won't happen.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～そうにない is used to express that something does not seem likely to happen.
• Attach ～そうにない to the masu-stem of a verb.
• It conveys your own observation or intuition about the unlikelihood of an event.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ～そうにない with the verb 読む (to read)?
   • Answer: 読みそうにない
2. Translate to Japanese: "It doesn't look like they will arrive on time."
   • Answer: 彼らは時間通りに到着しそうにない。
3. What is the difference between ～そうだ and ～そうにない?
   • Answer: ～そうだ means "seems like it will happen," whereas ～そうにない means "does not seem like it will happen."