そうにない
JLPT Level: N2
Meanings
Unlikely to
Showing no signs of
Usage
Verb (dictionary form) + そうにない
い-adjective (plain form) + そうにない
Noun + だ + そうにない
Explanation
そうにない expresses that something does not appear to be the case or that there is no sign that something will happen. It indicates a stronger sense of improbability or lack of expectation than a simple negative form. Use it when you want to convey that, based on current signs or information, expectation or likelihood is clearly absent. It is commonly used with verbs in their plain form and with i-adjectives. Note that it can carry a nuance of disappointment or inevitability, and is often used when stating forecasts, outcomes, or tendencies that do not look likely.
彼は今日中に終わりそうにない。
かれはきょうじゅうにおわりそうにない。
He doesn't seem likely to finish by today.
雨が降りそうにない。
あめがふりそうにない。
It doesn't look like it's going to rain.
彼女はこの問題を今すぐ解けそうにない。
かのじょはこのもんだいをいますぐとけそうにない。
She doesn't seem likely to solve this problem right now.