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.



Examples

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    ()(つま)笑顔(えがお)(わす)れようにも(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、()ようにも()られない

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

    (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(のど)(いた)すぎて、返事(へんじ)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()きたいですが、骨折(こっせつ)をしていて(ある)こうにも(ある)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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