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Always; sincerely
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-て + やまない" is used to express a strong, continuous feeling that originates from the heart. It is a formal, literary expression typically used with verbs of emotion like 祈る, 願う, 期待する, or 後悔する. This pattern emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of the emotion, making it a powerful way to convey one's feelings. It is often used in formal writing or in situations where a strong emotional expression is necessary.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form | V-ます + やまない | 祈っます + やまない |
| Nai form | V-ない + やまない | 願わない + やまない |
| Volitional form | V-たい + やまない | 期待たい + やまない |
Examples
卒業生の皆さんの、今後のご活躍を祈っやまない。
Sotsugyōsei no minasan no, kōryō no go katsuyaku o inoruyamawanai.
I sincerely pray for the future success of all graduates.
卒業生の皆さん (all graduates), 今後のご活躍を (future success), 祈っ (pray), やまない (sincerely)
かつての過ちを、今もなお後悔しやまない。
Katsute no ayamachi o, ima mo nō kōkai shiyamawanai.
I still sincerely regret my past mistakes.
かつての過ち (past mistakes), 今もなお (still), 後悔し (regret), やまない (sincerely)
世界中の人々が、一日も早い紛争の終結を願っやまない。
Sekai no naka no hitobito ga, ichinichi mo hayai funsō no shūketsu o inoruyamawanai.
Everyone in the world sincerely wishes for an early end to the conflict.
世界中の人々 (everyone in the world), 一日も早い (early), 紛争の終結を (end to the conflict), 願っ (wish), やまない (sincerely)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal writing or in situations where a strong emotional expression is necessary. It is often used with verbs of emotion like 祈る, 願う, 期待する, or 後悔する. Be careful not to confuse it with ～てならない, which describes a physical or spontaneous feeling rather than a continuous willed emotion.
Watch out
This pattern is not suitable for short-term or trivial actions, as it emphasizes a strong, continuous feeling. Use it with verbs of emotion to convey sincerity and intensity.
This pattern is specifically designed for verbs of emotion, so using it with non-emotional verbs can be incorrect. Stick to verbs like 祈る, 願う, 期待する, or 後悔する for the best results.
～てならない describes a physical or spontaneous feeling, whereas V-て + やまない emphasizes a continuous willed emotion. Make sure to use the correct pattern to convey the intended meaning.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be sure to choose the correct verb form and use it in a context that requires a strong emotional expression. Pay attention to the nuances of the pattern and avoid common mistakes.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-て + やまない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
卒業生の皆さんの、今後のご活躍を祈ってやみません。
Pattern used: てやみません
The verb 祈る is a classic pairing with ～てやまない to express a sincere, ongoing wish.
かつての過ちを、今もなお後悔してやまない。
Pattern used: てやまない
～てやまない emphasizes a deep, persistent state of emotion (like regret) in formal contexts.
世界中の人々が、一日も早い紛争の終結を願ってやまない。
Pattern used: てやまない
～てやまない is used here to express a collective, sincere desire for peace.
Interactive
卒業生の皆さんの、今後のご活躍を祈っ______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.