Japanese grammar
What does ～ないものだろうか mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ないものだろうか means isn't there some way to…?; I wish it were possible to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vない形 + ものだろうか V可能形ない + ものだろうか |
| Romaji | naimonodarouka |
| Meaning | isn't there some way to…?; I wish it were possible to… |
Forming it
| Verb (negative) | 何とかならない + ものだろうか |
|---|---|
| Verb (potential, negative) | 解決できない + ものだろうか |
How to use it
Expresses an earnest WISH that something could be achieved. Written.
- 「～ないものだろうか」 = “isn't there really no way to...?”, expresses an earnest WISH rather than an actual question.
- Usually uses the negative potential form: 「～できないものだろうか」.
- Polite form: 「～ないものでしょうか」.
Examples
この問題を平和的に解決できないものだろうか。
Is there really no way to resolve this peacefully?
何とか彼を助けられないものだろうか。
Isn’t there some way we could help him?
Keep in mind
- It's a wish, not a question awaiting an answer.
- Commonly uses the negative potential form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong解決できないものだろうかと聞かれた。
I wondered whether there was really no way to solve it.
Correct解決できないものだろうかと考えた。
This is a WISH in the speaker's own heart, not a question posed to someone else.
-
Wrong解決するものだろうか。
Isn't there really no way to solve it?
Correct解決できないものだろうか。
This pattern needs the NEGATIVE form (できない) to carry the sense of a wish.
Exam tips
- 「ないものだろうか」 = isn't there really no way to... (a wish); uses the negative form.