〜に〜ない
Meanings
- Cannot even ... if one wants to
- Would like to ... but cannot
- Wants to ... but cannot
About this pattern
Explanation
〜に〜ない is used to express a strong sense of inability to do something even though there is a desire or intention to do it. The first verb (V1) is the target action or situation, followed by に, and then a second verb (V2) in its negative form. This pattern highlights a contrast between what one wishes to do and what one cannot do at the moment, often due to obstacles, circumstances, or limitations. It is common in everyday speech to convey frustration or a sense of inevitability when a desired action cannot be taken.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I want to go buy it, but I can’t go because I don’t have enough money anymore.
I’d love to go out and have fun, but I can’t go because I’m full up with plans.
I want to go eat, but I can’t because my stomach hurts.
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