Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 6: 6/17

う・よう + にも～ないCannot... even if one wants or tries, Would like but cannot, Wants or tries but cannot

Generally used with にも

Structure

Verb1［おう］ + にも + Verb1［できる］［ない］
Verb［おう］ + にも + (Reason) Phrase

Details

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About にも～ない

When combined with either of the auxiliary verbs of volition, う or よう, にも～ない conveys that 'despite wanting to (A), it can't be done'. There are usually some circumstances as to why (A) cannot be done that are beyond the control of the speaker. The same verb will be repeated in both the volitional form and the negated potential form. This means that the literal meaning of this grammar pattern is 'Even if I went to (A), I can't (A)'. This 'went to' implies the 'attempt' or 'will' on behalf of the speaker.

Caution

As opposed to the similar に～ない grammar point that pairs with verbs in dictionary form, ようにも～ない tends to refer more to physical reasons for why something cannot be done. に～ない on the other hand is often used to illustrate mental limitations.

  • 行(い)きたくないけど、先輩(せんぱい)に誘(さそ)われたら断(こと)るに断(こと)れない。
    I don't want to go, but since my senpai invited me, I can't say no even if I wanted to. (Mental reason)
  • 携帯(けいたい)を無(な)くしてしまったから、上司(じょうし)に連絡(れんらく)しようにもできない。
    Since I lost my phone, I can't call my boss even if I wanted to. (Physical reason)

Examples

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    亡(な)き妻(つま)の笑顔(えがお)は忘(わす)れようにも忘(わす)れられない。

    I cannot forget the smile of my late wife, even if I try to.

    プロジェクトについて心配(しんぱい)するあまり、寝(ね)ようにも寝(ね)られない。

    I am so worried about the project that I cannot sleep even if I try.

    車(くるま)がないのなら、運転(うんてん)しようにも運転(うんてん)できないでしょう？

    If you don’t have a car, you couldn’t drive even if you wanted to, right?

      風邪(かぜ)をひいて喉(のど)が痛(いた)すぎて、返事(へんじ)をしようにも出来(でき)ません。

      I caught a cold, and my throat hurts so much, so I can’t reply even if try to.

      テーマパークには行(い)きたいですが、骨折(こっせつ)をしていて歩(ある)こうにも歩(ある)けないのです。

      I want to go to a theme park, but I broke a bone and can’t walk even if I try to.

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