Processing keyword: ～てかなわない (〜te kanawanai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～てかなわない (〜te kanawanai)

〜てかなわない (〜te kanawanai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point 〜てかなわない is used to express a strong sense of being unable to tolerate or endure something because it is unbearable or intolerable. It conveys feelings of annoyance, frustration, or discomfort caused by external factors.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

〜てかなわない is translated as "so... that I can't stand it" or "unbearably...". It is used to express that something is so intense or severe that it is impossible to endure.

Structure

The structure is:

[Verb in て-form] + かなわない

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• 〜てたまらない

  • Usage: Expresses a strong, often uncontrollable feeling or desire emanating from the speaker themselves.
  • Example: 会いたくてたまらない。(I can't stand how much I want to see you.)

• 〜てしょうがない

  • Usage: Indicates that something is so extreme that there's nothing that can be done about it.
  • Example: 暇でしょうがない。(I'm so bored I can't help it.)

• Difference with 〜てかなわない

  • 〜てかなわない often expresses annoyance or discomfort due to external factors, whereas 〜てたまらない and 〜てしょうがない can convey both positive and negative feelings arising from internal states.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 朝から工事の音がうるさくてかなわない。

   Asa kara kōji no oto ga urusakute kanawanai.

   The noise from the construction since morning is unbearably loud.

2. この部屋は暑くてかなわない。

   Kono heya wa atsukute kanawanai.

   This room is unbearably hot.

3. 彼の話は長くてかなわない。

   Kare no hanashi wa nagakute kanawanai.

   His stories are so long that I can't stand it.

4. 花粉症で、目がかゆくてかなわない。

   Kafunshō de, me ga kayukute kanawanai.

   Because of hay fever, my eyes are unbearably itchy.

5. 電車が混んでいてかなわない。

   Densha ga konde ite kanawanai.

   The train is so crowded that I can't stand it.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

〜てかなわない is typically used in informal spoken Japanese. It expresses personal feelings of annoyance or discomfort and may come off as complaint-like. It's less suitable for formal situations or with people of higher status.

Idiomatic Expressions

While 〜てかなわない is itself an expression of intolerance, it's often used in everyday language when people want to vent minor grievances.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using it in formal writing
  • Mistake: Employing 〜てかなわない in formal documents or professional settings.
  • Correction: Use more formal expressions like 耐えられない (taerarenai) instead.
• Confusing with 〜てたまらない
  • Mistake: Using 〜てかなわない to express strong positive desires.
  • Correction: Use 〜てたまらない for strong internal feelings, whether positive or negative.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • かなわない sounds like "cannot", helping you remember it expresses something you can't stand.
• Association
  • Link かなわない with 叶わない meaning "unbearable" or "can't bear", though they are different words.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜てかなわない expresses an unbearable situation due to external factors.
• It is used to convey annoyance or discomfort.
• Structure: [Verb in て-form] + かなわない.
• It's informal and often used in spoken Japanese.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following sentence using 〜てかなわない: The meeting is so early that I can't stand it.

2. True or False: 〜てかなわない can be used to express strong positive desires.

3. Choose the correct usage of 〜てかなわない: a) 彼女に会いたくてかなわない。
   b) このペンは書きにくくてかなわない。

Answers

1. 会議が早くてかなわない。
2. False. It's used for expressing annoyance or discomfort, not positive desires.
3. b) このペンは書きにくくてかなわない。