JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
No way that; impossible
Category: Possibility & Probability
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.
| 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 |
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)
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.
Using the dictionary form of the verb will change the nuance of the sentence and make it sound less casual.
This pattern is too casual for formal writing and may sound unprofessional.
～わけがない is a more logical denial, while V-masu + っこない is a strong, subjective denial.
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.
そんな高い山、素人に登れ______。
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