Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Short explanation:

Expresses the idea of 'even if I try or want to do something, I am still unable to do it'.

Formation:

Verb-potential form + にも + Verb-negative form

Examples:

彼を理解しようにも理解できない。
Kare wo rikai shiyou ni mo rikai dekinai.
Even if I try to understand him, I can't.
走ろうにも走れない。
Hashirou ni mo hashirenai.
Even if I want to run, I can't.
泣こうにも泣けない。
Nakou ni mo nakenai.
Even if I want to cry, I can't.
忘れようにも忘れられない。
Wasureyou ni mo wasurerarenai.
Even if I want to forget, I can't.

Long explanation:

The にも Verb れない grammar point is used to express the situation when one tries or wants to do something, but can't do it. It is translated in English as 'Even if I try to..., I can't...' or 'Even if I want to..., I can't...'. It is usually used with potential form verbs.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

1. Introduction

This grammar point is used to express that something cannot be done, or it is not possible to do a certain action, even to the extent of attempting or considering doing it. It carries a nuance of frustration or limitation regarding the action mentioned.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure "Verbる にも Verb れない" conveys the message that "It is not even possible to (Verb)." It emphasizes the inability or impossibility of performing an action, highlighting underlying feelings of frustration or inability.

Structure

  1. Verbる: The dictionary form of the verb used.
  2. にも: A particle meaning "even" or "to the extent of."
  3. Verb れない: The negative potential form of the verb, which indicates inability.

Formation Diagram

                    +----------------+
                    |   Dictionary   |
                    |    Verb (Verbる)|
                    +--------+-------+
                             |
                             |  +------+
                             |  |  にも |
                             |  +------+
                             |
                    +--------+-------+
                    | Negative Form  |
                    |  Verb (Verbれない)|
                    +----------------+

3. Comparative Analysis

Compared with:

  • Verbることができない: This means "cannot do (Verb)" but is slightly more formal and does not carry the same emotional weight as "Verbる にも Verb れない."
  • Verbられない: This is a simple negation of being able to do something but does not emphasize the "even" aspect like "にも" does.

Example Comparison:

  • Verbることができない: 旅行に行くことができない。 (I cannot go on a trip.)
  • Verbる にも Verb れない: 旅行に行くにもお金がない。 (I don’t even have money to go on a trip.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:
    • 日本語を勉強するにも時間がない。
    • (I don’t even have time to study Japanese.)
  2. Informal:
    • 出かけるにもお金がない。
    • (I don’t even have money to go out.)
  3. Written:
    • 料理を作るにも材料が足りない。
    • (I don’t even have enough ingredients to cook.)
  4. Spoken:
    • 遊びに行くにも忙しすぎる。
    • (I'm too busy even to go hang out.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The grammar point often expresses a feeling of being overwhelmed or constrained, which is common in Japanese culture, where individuals might feel societal pressures and responsibilities that limit their freedom to act.

Levels of Politeness

The examples can be adjusted in politeness based on the situation. While using "Verbるににも" in informal contexts is acceptable, adding politeness markers would be appropriate in formal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "Verbる にも Verb れない" is a specific structure, similar expressions may focus on frustrations in life or circumstances that prevent joy or fulfilled intentions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Confusing with "Verbることができない" as they share a similar structure but with different nuances.
  • Tip: Remember "にも" emphasizes limitation—think of it as "not even..."

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Associate "にも" with "even" to remember that you are stressing an inability that goes beyond ordinary limits.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • "Verbる にも Verb れない" indicates that it is not even possible to do something.
  • The structure conveys feelings of frustration or limitation.
  • It differentiates itself from more neutral forms like "Verbることができない."

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does the structure "Verbる にも Verb れない" emphasize?
  2. How is it different from "Verbることができない"?
  3. Can you provide a sentence using this grammar structure? By understanding this grammar point clearly, learners can express complex feelings of limitation and frustration in various contexts.
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