N2190/217

てならない

V-て + ならないいAdj (い-stem) + くて + ならないな Adj/Noun + で + ならない

Meanings

  • Very, extremely
  • Can't help but ~
  • Be overwhelmed by a feeling

About this pattern

Explanation

てならない expresses a very strong, almost overwhelming emotion about something. It conveys that you cannot help feeling or doing something in response to the situation. It is more intense than just 感じる or 〜たい, and is commonly used for personal feelings such as joy, worry, surprise, longing, or determination. It is versatile across verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives/nouns, with the appropriate linking form (て or くて or で) before ならない.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼の優しさには、涙が出てならない。

I can't help but cry tears at his kindness.

昨夜の興奮が収まらず、胸が高鳴ってならない。

The excitement from last night won’t fade; my heart keeps racing.

この美味しさには、もう一口食べてならない。

I can't resist having another bite of this deliciousness.

彼女の話を聞くと、心配でならない。

When I hear her story, I can't help worrying.