にも~ない
Meanings
- not even ~; not at all ~
- unable to ~ despite wanting to ~
- would like to ~ but cannot
About this pattern
Explanation
にも~ない is used to stress that even when a particular circumstance or condition is present, the outcome is still negative or impossible. It emphasizes the extreme degree or the futility of trying, often highlighting that the effort or condition does not change the result. It can refer to situations where one would expect something to be possible or worthwhile, but it isn’t in reality. Common contexts include expressing futility, lack of worth, or an outcome that is unacceptable regardless of the preceding condition. It is frequently linked with phrases that describe a situation, condition, or amount (e.g., こんなに, 金にも, 話にも). Note that it is a fixed pattern and should be learned as a chunk rather than broken into separate pieces in most uses.
Learn in context
Example sentences
With such a low amount, it’s not even worth talking about.
I’ve worked this hard, yet I can’t be satisfied with the result.
He made an offer that’s not worth a single penny.
Don’t tell jokes that aren’t worth discussing.
Her abilities aren’t even worth being interested in.
Keep studying
More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
View details