N2Possibility & Probability

V-masu + っこない

Q: Is "Using the dictionary form of the verb instead of the masu-stem form." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the masu-stem form of the verb.". Using the dictionary form of the verb will change the nuance of the sentence and make it sound less casual.

Q: Is "Using this pattern in formal writing." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a more formal pattern, such as ～わけがない.". This pattern is too casual for formal writing and may sound unprofessional.

Q: Is "Confusing this pattern with ～わけがない." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct pattern depending on the context.". ～わけがない is a more logical denial, while V-masu + っこない is a strong, subjective denial.

No way that; impossible

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V-masu + っこない" is used to express a strong, subjective denial or impossibility. It is a casual expression that implies the speaker finds it absolutely impossible or unbelievable that something will happen. This pattern is often used in everyday conversations and is not suitable for formal writing. It is essential to use the masu-stem form of the verb instead of the dictionary form to convey the correct nuance.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Masu-stem form of the verb	V-masu + っこない	登る (nori-) → nori-masu + っこない
Masu-stem form of the verb	V-masu + っこない (negative)	見ない (miren-) → miren-masu + っこない
Masu-stem form of the verb	V-masu + っこない (past tense)	食べた (tabe-) → tabe-masu + っこない

Examples

Example Sentences

そんな高い山、素人に登れっこない。

Sonna takai yama, sutin ni norerokkōnai.

There's no way a beginner can climb such a high mountain.

そんな高い山 (such a high mountain), 素人 (beginner), に (to), 登れっこない (can't climb)

宝くじなんて、当たりっこないよ。

Takakuji nante, atarikokkōnai yo.

There's no way you'll win the lottery.

宝くじなんて (the lottery), 当たりっこない (can't win)

今日中にこの仕事を全部終わらせられっこない。

Kyō ni-chū ni kono shigoto o subete o owaraserekkōnai.

There's no way we can finish all the work by today.

今日中に (by today), この仕事を (this work), 統わらせられっこない (can't finish)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is suitable for casual conversations and is not recommended for formal writing. It is essential to use the masu-stem form of the verb to convey the correct nuance. This pattern is often used to express a strong, subjective denial or impossibility, and it is not suitable for situations where a more logical or objective denial is required.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the dictionary form of the verb instead of the masu-stem form.

Use the masu-stem form of the verb.

Using the dictionary form of the verb will change the nuance of the sentence and make it sound less casual.

Using this pattern in formal writing.

Use a more formal pattern, such as ～わけがない.

This pattern is too casual for formal writing and may sound unprofessional.

Confusing this pattern with ～わけがない.

Use the correct pattern depending on the context.

～わけがない is a more logical denial, while V-masu + っこない is a strong, subjective denial.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct masu-stem form of the verb and avoid using it in formal writing. Practice using this pattern in casual conversations to improve your fluency.

In context