Processing keyword: Verb ようにも Verb れない (〜you ni mo 〜renai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ようにも Verb れない (〜you ni mo 〜renai)

JLPT Grammar Lesson: Verb ようにも Verb れない (〜ようにも〜れない)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar pattern Verb ようにも Verb れない (〜ようにも〜れない), which expresses the inability to do something even if one wants to. This structure is commonly used to convey frustration or helplessness in situations where external factors prevent an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

This grammar pattern is used to express that even if one tries or wants to do something, they cannot do it due to some impediment. It highlights a combination of intent and inability.

Structure

The structure of this grammar point is:

1. Verb (Volitional Form) + にも + Verb (Potential Negative Form)

Formation Diagram

How to Form

1. Convert the verb to its volitional form (意志形):
   • For る-verbs: Replace る with よう
     • 食べる → 食べよう
   • For う-verbs: Change the last character to the corresponding おう sound
     • 行く → 行こう
2. Add にも after the volitional form:
   • 食べようにも
   • 行こうにも
3. Add the potential negative form of the verb:
   • 食べられない
   • 行けない
4. Combine them:
   • 食べようにも食べられない
   • 行こうにも行けない

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Verb たくても Verb られない

While both expressions convey the inability to do something, there's a nuance:

• Verb たくても Verb られない: "Even though I want to do..., I cannot do..."
  • Focuses more on desire.
• Verb ようにも Verb れない: "Even if I try to do..., I cannot do..."
  • Emphasizes attempting but being prevented by external factors.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1

日本語で書こうにも書けない。

• Nihongo de kakou ni mo kakenai.
• Translation: Even if I try to write in Japanese, I can't.

Example 2

忙しくて、休もうにも休めない。

• Isogashikute, yasumou ni mo yasumenai.
• Translation: I'm so busy that even if I want to take a break, I can't.

Example 3

財布を忘れて、買おうにも買えない。

• Saifu o wasurete, kaou ni mo kaenai.
• Translation: I forgot my wallet, so even if I try to buy it, I can't.

Example 4

風邪で声が出なくて、歌おうにも歌えない。

• Kaze de koe ga denakute, utaou ni mo utaenai.
• Translation: I lost my voice due to a cold, so even if I want to sing, I can't.

Example 5 (Formal Context)

事故の影響で電車が止まり、行こうにも行けない状況です。

• Jiko no eikyō de densha ga tomari, ikou ni mo ikenai jōkyō desu.
• Translation: Due to the accident, the trains have stopped, and we are in a situation where we can't go even if we try.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

This grammar pattern is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Adjust the politeness level by:

• Using です/ます forms for formal speech.
• Maintaining plain forms for casual conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

While Verb ようにも Verb れない is itself a grammatical structure, it often appears in idiomatic expressions conveying frustration.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Forms
   • Using the negative form instead of the potential negative form.
     • Incorrect: 行こうにも行かない。
     • Correct: 行こうにも行けない。
2. Omitting にも
   • Forgetting to include にも after the volitional form.
     • Incorrect: 食べよう食べられない。
     • Correct: 食べようにも食べられない。

Tips to Remember

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "Attempt (よう) + Even if (にも) + Can't (れない)".
• Associate にも with "even if/also", emphasizing the contrast between desire/attempt and inability.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ようにも Verb れない expresses the inability to do something even if one wants or tries to.
• Formed by combining the volitional form + にも + potential negative form.
• Conveys frustration due to external circumstances preventing an action.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blanks: 日本に _______ にも _______ ない。
   • Answer: 日本に 行こう にも 行け ない。
2. True or False: The pattern Verb ようにも Verb れない can be used to express that you don't want to do something.
   • Answer: False.
3. Identify the mistake: 話そうにも話さない。
   • Correction: 話そうにも話せない。

Feel free to ask any questions or request further clarification on any points covered in this lesson!