Japanese grammar
What does ～ようにも～ない mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ようにも～ない means even if one wants to…, one cannot….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V意向形 + にも + 同V可能形 + ない |
| Romaji | younimo nai |
| Meaning | even if one wants to…, one cannot… |
Forming it
| Verb (run) | 走ろう + にも + 走れ + ない |
|---|---|
| Verb (believe) | 信じよう + にも + 信じられ + ない |
How to use it
The full form of 「～ようにも」: repeats the same verb in the following clause as a negative potential form.
- 「～ようにも～ない」 repeats the SAME verb: the first clause in volitional form, the following clause in negative potential form — "want to A but can't A".
- The same pattern as 「～ようにも」 (N1-196); this repeated form is clearer in meaning and commonly seen in exams.
- The obstructing reason is stated in a preceding clause or within the same sentence.
Examples
足をけがして、走ろうにも走れない。
With my injured leg, I can’t run even if I want to.
証拠がこれだけあっては、信じようにも信じられない。
With this much evidence, I couldn’t believe it even if I tried.
Keep in mind
- Both clauses use the same verb.
- The clause that follows is a negated potential form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong走ろうにも歩けない。
Wanting to run, but I can't even walk.
Correct走ろうにも走れない。
Both clauses must use the SAME verb.
-
Wrong走ろうにも走らない。
Even if I want to run, I can't.
Correct走ろうにも走れない。
The following clause is the negative POTENTIAL form (走れない).
Exam tips
- 「ようにも～ない」 = the repeated form of 「ようにも」; both clauses use the same verb, with the following clause in the negative potential form.