Search pages and navigate
As if; about to
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ" is used to describe a state where something is almost about to happen. It implies a sense of urgency or anticipation. The use of "n" negative stem and the transformation of "suru" to "sen" create a sense of dynamic movement, emphasizing the impending action. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of drama or tension.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-ない(stem) | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ: 彼は今にも飛びかからせんばかりだ。 (He is about to jump at me.) |
| V-ない(stem) | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ: 彼女は今にも泣き出さんばかりだ。 (She is about to cry.) |
| V-ない(stem) | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ | V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ: 割れんばかりの拍手が会場に響き渡った。 (The applause was about to burst into cheers.) |
Examples
彼女は今にも泣き出さんばかり、顔をゆがめた。
Kanojo wa imani mo nakisasan bakari, kao o yugemeta.
She is about to cry, her face contorted.
彼女は今にも泣き出さんばかり (She is about to cry) + 顔をゆがめた (her face contorted)
割れんばかりの拍手が会場に響き渡った。
Waren bakari no kappu ga kaisha ni hibiki wataratta.
The applause was about to burst into cheers.
割れんばかりの (about to burst) + 拍手 (applause) + 会場に (to the venue) + 響き渡った (resounded)
彼は今にも飛びかからせんばかり、私をにらみつけた。
Kare wa imani mo tobikakasan bakari, watashi o niraimitsuketa.
He is about to jump at me, he glared at me.
彼は今にも飛びかからせんばかり (He is about to jump at me) + 私をにらみつけた (he glared at me)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a state where something is almost about to happen. It is often used in situations where there is a sense of urgency or anticipation. The use of "n" negative stem and the transformation of "suru" to "sen" create a sense of dynamic movement, emphasizing the impending action. This pattern is often used in literary or dramatic contexts to convey a sense of tension or drama.
Watch out
The correct pattern is 'V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ', not 'V-ない(stem) + nai bakari'.
'Bakari ni' is used to indicate the reason or cause of something, whereas 'n bakari' is used to describe a state where something is almost about to happen.
This pattern is used with dynamic verbs that imply movement or action, such as '飛びかかっ' or '泣き出す'. It is not suitable for non-dynamic verbs.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the verb used. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct pattern. Also, be aware of the common mistakes and avoid using this pattern with non-dynamic verbs.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ない(stem) + んばかりだ / せんばかりだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼女は今にも泣き出さんばかりに、顔をゆがめた。
Pattern used: んばかりに
'N bakari ni' expresses a state so extreme it's as if the action is occurring.
割れんばかりの拍手が会場に響き渡った。
Pattern used: んばかり
'Waren bakari' is a set expression meaning 'thundering applause' (as if the place would break).
彼は今にも飛びかからんばかりの勢いで、私をにらみつけた。
Pattern used: んばかりの勢いで
'N bakari no' modifies the following noun to describe the intensity of the state.
Interactive
彼女は今にも泣き出さ______、顔をゆがめた。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.