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
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Standard
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一般
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)'.
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)'.
- 来月公開される映画が見たくてたまらない。I can't help but want to watch the movie that is going to be released next month.
- 昨日は3時間しか寝てないから、眠たくてたまらない。I only slept for 3 hours last night, so I'm extremely sleepy.
- 娘をお使いに行かせたが、ちゃんと一人で行って帰ってこれるかが心配でたまらない。I sent my daughter on an errand, but I'm extremely worried about whether she would be able to go and come back by herself.
Synonyms
てならない
Very, Extremely, Can't help but do
Not studied yet
ざるを得ない
Can't help doing, Have no choice but
Not studied yet
てしょうがない
Extremely, Very, Really, It can't be helped
Not studied yet
ないわけにはいかない
Can't not, No way to avoid
Not studied yet
ことに
Extremely, Especially, To my ...
Not studied yet
ずにはいられない
Cannot help doing something, Cannot resist doing something
Not studied yet
Adj限りだ
Extremely, Really, Very, As ... as one can be
Not studied yet
Examples
今日はたくさん仕事をしたので、眠くてたまらない。
Because I did a lot of work today, I am extremely tired.
納豆の嫌いなところは、臭くてたまらないところだ。
What I don't like about natto is that it smells very bad.
暑くてたまらない。だからクーラーをつけた。
It is extremely hot. So, I turned on the air conditioner.
自分の子供のことが心配でたまらない。
I am extremely worried about my own kids.
あのコーラスグループのコンサートが見たくてたまらない。
I can't help but want to see that chorus group's concert.
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Online
How to use たまらない
Maggie Sensei
たまらない in action
NihongoDayByDay
Offline
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 445
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