とても～ない
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
not at all
cannot ~ at all
too ~ to ~
Usage
とても～ない
Explanation
とても before an adjective or verb in the ない form to emphasize that the action is impossible or the circumstance is extreme. It expresses a strong negation, more forceful than simply ～ない. It is used in situations where the speaker wants to convey that something is beyond possibility or completely unachievable given the degree stated.
とても難しくて、解けない。
とてもむずかしくて、とけない。
It's so difficult that I can't solve it.
とても高くて、買えない。
とてもたかくて、かえない。
It's so expensive I can't buy it.
とても忙しくて、休日は取れない。
とてもいそがしくて、きゅうじつはとれない。
I'm so busy that I can't take a day off.
とても眠くて、起きられない。
とてもねむくて、おきられない。
I'm so sleepy I can't get up.
とても小さくて、見えない。
とてもちいさくて、みえない。
It's so small that I can't see it.