JLPT N1 Grammar
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Cannot possibly; no way to
Category: Judgment and Possibility
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形 + べくもない" is a very formal expression used to indicate total impossibility under the circumstances. It emphasizes that something is completely impossible or unimaginable. This pattern is often used with verbs like 望む (hope), 知る (know), or 比べる (compare) to convey a sense of impossibility or unthinkability. The pattern is typically used in formal writing or in situations where a strong sense of impossibility is required.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 | Verb stem in dictionary form | 見る (miru) becomes 見 (mi) |
| べくもない | べくもない (cannot possibly) | 例: 知る (shiru) + べくもない (beku mo nai) |
| Exception: する -> すべく | する (suru) becomes すべく (subeku) | 例: する (suru) + すべく (subeku) |
当時の私には、その後このような事態になるとは、知るべくもない。
Atsui jikan no watashi ni wa, sorekara koreyouna jittai ni naru to wa, shirubeku mo nai.
At that time, I couldn't possibly have known that such a situation would occur.
当時の私には (at that time, I) + このような事態になるとは (such a situation would occur) + 知るべくもない (couldn't possibly have known)
これほどの資金力がある大企業には、我々のような小規模な会社は対抗するべくもない。
Korehodo no shikinryoku ga aru dai kigyou ni wa, wareware no youna shōsō na kaisha wa taikōsuru bekumō nai.
With a company of this size and financial strength, we couldn't possibly compete.
これほどの資金力がある (with a company of this size and financial strength) + 大企業には (with a large company) + 我々のような (like us) + 小規模な (small) + 会社は (company) + 対抗するべくもない (couldn't possibly compete)
今の給料では、都心にマイホームを持つなどするべくもない。
Ima no kyūryō de wa, toshin ni Mai Hōmu o motsu nado surubeku mo nai.
With the current salary, it's completely impossible to own a house in the city center.
今の給料では (with the current salary) + 都心に (in the city center) + マイホームを持つ (own a house) + などする (etc.) + べくもない (completely impossible)
This pattern is typically used in formal writing or in situations where a strong sense of impossibility is required. It is often used with verbs like 望む (hope), 知る (know), or 比べる (compare) to convey a sense of impossibility or unthinkability. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～ようがない (which emphasizes lack of method).
This pattern is too formal for casual conversation and may sound unnatural or even comical in informal settings.
The correct formation for 'suru' is 'subeku mo nai', not 'surubeku'.
～ようがない emphasizes lack of method, while this pattern emphasizes total impossibility. Choose the correct pattern depending on the context.
Pay attention to the context and the verb used. This pattern is often used with formal verbs like 望む (hope), 知る (know), or 比べる (compare). Be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～ようがない (which emphasizes lack of method).
当時の私には、その後このような事態になるとは、知る______。
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