Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 10: 2/21

～て堪(たま)らないCan't help but want to, Very, Extremely

Structure

Can't help but want to...
Verb［たい］［て］ + たまらない

Very・Extremely
［い］Adjective［て］+ たまらない
［な］Adjective + で + たまらない

Details

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    Standard

About てたまらない

てたまらない is made up of the conjunction particle て, and the negated form of the う-Verb 堪(たま)る meaning 'to bear', 'to endure', or 'to tolerate'. Common translations include 'to not be able to help wanting to (A)', or 'extremely (A)'.

The primary difference between both meanings is that the 'can't help but want to (A)' nuance is seen attached to verbs conjugated with たい, while the 'extremely (A)' nuance is seen conjugated with both い and な-Adjectives. In both of these situations, the more literal interpretation is 'to be unbearably (A)'.

As always, で will replace て when な-Adjectives are used.

Related

Misc.

Examples

--:--

    サイレンの音(おと)がうるさくてたまらない。

    The sound of the siren is extremely loud. (I can't stand it)

    蚊(か)に刺(さ)されてかゆくてたまらない。

    I was bitten by a mosquito and it is extremely itchy. (I can't stand it・I can't help but itch)

    自分(じぶん)の子供(こども)のことが心配(しんぱい)でたまらない。

    I am extremely worried about my own kids.

    暑(あつ)くてたまらない。だからクーラーをつけた。

    It is extremely hot. So, I turned on the air conditioner. (I can't stand it・I can't help but be hot)

    あのコーラスグループのコンサートが見(み)たくてたまらない。

    I can't help but want to see that chorus group's concert.

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