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Can finish / Cannot finish
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-stem + きれる / きれない" is used to indicate the physical or mental capacity to finish an action entirely. '~きれる' means completing something totally, while '~きれない' means the amount is too much to finish. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker is expressing their ability or inability to complete a task. For example, if someone says "料理が多すぎて、一人では食べきれません" (I cannot finish eating all these dishes by myself), they are expressing their physical capacity to complete the task. On the other hand, if someone says "彼は「絶対に成功する」と言いきれません" (He cannot say that with confidence), they are expressing their mental capacity to complete the task. This pattern is commonly used in the Method & Means category of the JLPT N2 exam.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-stem + する | V-stem + きれる / きれない | 食べる + きれる / きれない |
| V-stem + くる | V-stem + きれる / きれない | 食べる + きれる / きれない |
| V-stem + ける | V-stem + きれる / きれない | 食べる + きれる / きれない |
Examples
料理が多すぎて、一人では食べきれません。
Ryouri ga ōsugite, hitori de tabekiremasen.
I cannot finish eating all these dishes by myself.
料理が多すぎて、[一人では食べきれません。]
彼は「絶対に成功する」と言いきれません。
Kare wa "zettai ni seikō suru" to iikiremasen.
He cannot say that with confidence.
彼は「絶対に成功する」と[言いきれません。]
夜空には数えきれないほどの星が輝いている。
Yozora ni wa kaizukekirenai hodo no hoshi ga kagayaitte iru.
There are countless stars shining in the night sky.
夜空には数えきれないほどの[星が輝いている。]
この本は読みきれないほどの量がある。
Kono hon wa yomikirenai hodo no ryō ga aru.
There is an enormous amount of text in this book.
この本は読みきれないほどの量がある。
彼はこの問題を解きれません。
Kare wa kono mondai o tokikiremasen.
He cannot solve this problem.
彼はこの問題を[解きれません。]
Context
This pattern is commonly used in the Method & Means category of the JLPT N2 exam. It is often used to express the speaker's physical or mental capacity to complete a task. The pattern can be used in both formal and informal situations. However, it is more commonly used in formal situations.
Watch out
For example, "この問題が難い" (This problem is difficult) is correct, but "この問題を解きれません" (I cannot solve this problem) is incorrect.
For example, "この料理を食べられない" (I cannot eat this dish) is incorrect, but "この料理が多すぎて、一人では食べきれません" (I cannot finish eating all these dishes by myself) is correct.
For example, "この問題を解く" (I will solve this problem) is incorrect, but "この問題を解きれません" (I cannot solve this problem) is correct.
Strategy
When answering questions on the JLPT N2 exam, pay close attention to the context and the verb used in the sentence. If the verb is in the V-stem form, it may indicate that the speaker is expressing their ability or inability to complete a task. Use the correct pattern '~きれる / きれない' to express this meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-stem + きれる / きれない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
料理が多すぎて、一人では食べきれません。
Pattern used: きれません
'食べきれない' means the quantity is too large to finish completely.
彼は「絶対に成功する」と言いきる自信があるようだ。
Pattern used: きる
'言い切る' means to say something decisively and completely without hesitation.
夜空には数えきれないほどの星が輝いている。
Pattern used: きれない
'数えきれない' is a common expression for 'innumerable' or 'cannot count them all'.
Interactive
料理が多すぎて、一人では食べ______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.