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Even if I want to ..., I can't
Definition
This grammar pattern expresses a sense of regret or frustration due to an inability to perform an action, despite having the desire to do so. It emphasizes the speaker's volition and the external factors that prevent them from taking action. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of resignation or helplessness in the face of circumstances.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Volitional form | [V-volitional] | 見たい (to want to see) |
| Potential negative form | ない (cannot do) | 行く (to go) |
| に + にも | に + にも | 電車に (to the train) + にも (also) |
Examples
財布を忘れて、電車に乗り込もうにも乗れなかった。
zaifu o wasurete, densha ni norikomiyou mo norerarenakatta.
I forgot my wallet and couldn't get on the train.
財布を忘れて (forgot my wallet), 電車に乗り込もうにも (also couldn't get on the train)
あまりの忙しさに、最近は休暇を取ろうにも取れなかった。
amari no isogashisa ni, saikin wa kyūka o torou mo torerarenakatta.
Due to the extreme busyness, I couldn't take a break.
あまりの忙しさに (due to the extreme busyness), 最近は休暇を取ろうにも (also couldn't take a break)
あの日の悲しい記憶は、忘れようにも忘れられなかった。
ano hi no kanashii kioku wa, wasureyou mo wasurerarenakatta.
The sad memory of that day couldn't be forgotten.
あの日の悲しい記憶は (the sad memory of that day), 忘れようにも (also couldn't be forgotten)
Context
This pattern is used to express regret or frustration due to an inability to perform an action. It is often used in situations where the speaker has the desire to do something but is prevented from doing so by external factors. The pattern is typically used in formal or polite language.
Watch out
The volitional form is used to express the speaker's desire or intention to perform an action, while the dictionary form is used to express the action itself. Using the dictionary form instead of the volitional form can change the meaning of the sentence.
The potential negative form is used to express the inability to perform an action, while the plain negative is used to express the absence of an action. Using the plain negative instead of the potential negative form can change the meaning of the sentence.
The verbs used in the two parts of the construction must be the same or have the same meaning. Mismatching the verbs can change the meaning of the sentence.
Strategy
Pay attention to the formation of the volitional and potential negative forms, as well as the use of the に + にも construction. Make sure to match the verbs used in the two parts of the construction.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows [V-volitional] + にも + [V-potential-negative] used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
財布を忘れて、電車に乗ろうにも乗れない困り果てた。
Pattern used: 乗ろうにも乗れない
Uses the standard pattern of volitional form + potential negative to show an impossible action despite the will.
あまりの忙しさに、最近は休暇を取ろうにも取れない。
Pattern used: 取ろうにも取れない
Indicates that external circumstances (busy work) prevent taking a vacation even if desired.
あの日の悲しい記憶は、忘れようにも忘れられない。
Pattern used: 忘れられない
Completes the pattern 'V-volitional + ni mo + V-potential-negative' to show inability to forget.
Interactive
財布を忘れて、電車に______困り果てた。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.