Structure
Verb[られる][て]+ては(1)+かなわない
[い]Adjective[い]+くては(1)+かなわない
[な]Adjective+では(2)+かなわない
Noun+では(2)+かなわない
(1) ちゃ
(2)じゃ
Details
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Standard
About てはかなわない
In order to convey that something is undesirable, the grammar structure てはかなわない may be used. This combines the conjunction particle て, the adverbial particle は, and the negative form of the う-Verb 叶う ‘to grant (a wish)’, or ‘to realize (a goal)’. This may be interpreted as ‘it’s unbearable when (A)’, or ‘I can’t stand it when (A)’. However, the literal translation is ‘it’s not a dream come true for (A)’.
When used following verbs, the (A) verb is often in the passive. This indicates that the speaker does not like being the target or victim of (A). However, standard verb structures may also be seen.
In addition to this, てはかなわない may follow the conjunctive form of い-Adjectives, or appear as ではかなわない when following な-Adjectives.
Caution
Although many grammar structures frequently appear in hiragana, making their original kanji hard to identify, it will be important not to mix up 叶う ‘to grant’ with 敵う ‘to be a match for’. Grammatically, these verbs are both used quite differently.
- 漢字とくると彼女にはかなわない。She is no match for me when it comes to kanji.
Examples
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こう寒くてはかなわない。
It's unbearable when it's cold like this.
雨に降られてはかなわない。
I can't stand getting rained on.
上の部屋の人がうるさくてはかなわない。
It's unbearable when the people upstairs are noisy.
話をしている時、非常識なひとに邪魔されてはかなわない。
It's unbearable when I am interrupted by a thoughtless person when I am speaking.
毎日こんなに蒸し暑くてはかなわない。
It's unbearable when it is so humid every day like this.
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てかなわない
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Sou Matome Bunpou N1
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