Structure
Verb[できる][ない]+ もの + (だろう)+ か
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Formal
Rare Kanji
物
About Verb[ない]もの(だろう)か
When paired with negative expressions, the noun 物 and either the sentence-ending particle か or a combination of だろう and か will indicate that the speaker wishes (A) were possible, but for some reason it is beyond their immediate capacity. This structure may be translated as 'if only (A)', or 'isn't there a way to (A)', but the literal translation is closer to 'I wonder if it really is a thing that can't (A)'.
This grammar pattern will primarily be seen attached to the negated form of verbs, but may also be used in reference to nouns when the ない is being used to indicate a lack of existence of (A), rather than a lack of ability to do (A).
As can be seen in these examples, the polite でしょう may replace だろう.
Additionally, similar structures such as かな or かしら may replace だろうか or でしょうか in more casual conversations.
Examples
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電気自動車の値段はもう少し安くできないものだろうか。
Can't electric cars's price be a bit lower?
上司、部下の提案への反応:「まあ機能はするだろうね。ただちょっと気になる部分があったから、他にもっといい方法はないものかなあ...」
Superior, reacting to the subordinate proposal: 'Well, it will probably work. But there is a part that bothers me a bit. Is there no other, better way?'
伝記:「なんとかしてもっと操作しやすい携帯電話を作れないものかと、スティーブはいつも考えていた。」
Biography: 'Steven has been always thinking if there isn't some way he could make the smartphones easier to use.'
インタビュー:「その時、工業製品の品質を何とか上げるようにできないものかと考えました。」
Interview: 'At that time, we were thinking if there isn't some way to increase the quality of our products.'
テレビ番組、刑事ゴンロポ:「そのことは問題になります。ついては今、ここでそれに対する説明をうかがえないものでしょうか?」
容疑者:「そのことでしたら隠す理由もございません。私は昨晩ずっと家におりました。」
TV show, detective Gonropo: 'This might be a problem. So, why can't I ask for an explanation about that right away?'
Suspect: 'If it's this then there is nothing to hide. I have been at my house all night long. '
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ないものか
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Shin Kanzen Master N1 Bunpou
Page 117
Sou Matome Bunpou N1
Page 73
Try N1
Page 86
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Verb[ない]もの(だろう)か – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (4 in total)
Redglare
Hi~ I’m a bit confused about the SKM N1 Bunpou resource that is being referred to on this grammar point. It says page 117, but I can’t find anything that resembles もの(だろう)か on this page.
Am I blind or could there be other versions of this book that I’m not aware of? (I think it’s worth noting that this page doesn’t look like most of the other pages that explains grammar structures which has been referenced by BunPro.)
nekoyama
It’s actually in the N2 grammar book on page 117 as ないもの(だろう)か.
Redglare
Thanks, nekoyama! You’re right, it was in the N2 book all along, haha.
@Jake Hi, could you be so kind and update the resource info for us, please?
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