Japanese grammar
What does ～には及ばない（不要） mean? Japanese grammar N1
～には及ばない（不要） means there is no need to… (unnecessary).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + には及ばない |
| Romaji | nihaoyobanai(fuyou) |
| Meaning | there is no need to… (unnecessary) |
Forming it
| Verb (come) | わざわざ来る + には及ばない |
|---|---|
| Verb (worry) | 心配する + には及ばない |
How to use it
The REASSURANCE meaning: no need to do A to that extent. One of the two meanings of 「～には及ばない」.
- 「～には及ばない」 in the REASSURANCE meaning: "there's really no need to go so far as A". Polite, usually used to wave off someone else's concern.
- This pattern also has a second meaning "doesn't match up to" (N + には及ばない) — see the entry 「～には及ばない」.
- Close to 「～までもない」 (not to the extent of needing to); 「には及ばない」 is more polite.
Examples
わざわざお越しいただくには及びません。
There’s no need for you to come all this way.
軽い風邪ですから、心配するには及びません。
It’s just a mild cold — no need to worry.
Keep in mind
- The reassuring meaning is used with a verb.
- The "not comparable to" meaning is used with a noun.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼の実力は私にするには及ばない。
His ability doesn't match mine.
Correct彼の実力は私には及ばない。
The "doesn't match up to" meaning uses a NOUN + には及ばない; the "no need" meaning uses a verb.
-
Wrong心配するには及ばない、大変だ。
No need to worry, it's really bad.
Correct心配するには及ばない、大丈夫だ。
This is a REASSURANCE, so the following clause must be consistent (fine).
Exam tips
- 「Vるには及ばない」 = no need to go that far (reassurance); 「Nには及ばない」 = doesn't measure up to.