Japanese grammar
What does ～かねる mean? Japanese grammar N2
～かねる means find it hard/unable to do (even if willing) — due to one's position, courtesy, or delicacy.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vます (drop ます) + かねる |
| Romaji | kaneru |
| Meaning | find it hard/unable to do (even if willing) — due to one's position, courtesy, or delicacy |
Forming it
| Verb | 応じる → 応じ + かねる |
|---|
How to use it
Expresses that the speaker finds something difficult or is unable to do it due to their position or a delicate situation; formal register, common in service settings.
- 「～かねる」 attaches to the masu-stem and expresses that the speaker finds something DIFFICULT or is unable to do it — not physically impossible, but due to their position, politeness, or a delicate situation.
- It is a polite, softened way to REFUSE: 「～かねます」 in place of the blunt 「できません」.
- Don't confuse it with 「～かねない」 (a different meaning) = something bad could happen.
Examples
そのご要望には、応じかねます。
I’m afraid we are unable to meet that request.
今の情報だけでは、判断しかねます。
With only the current information, I cannot make a judgment.
Keep in mind
- Only attaches to volitional (active) verbs, the masu-stem.
- Very common in Japanese used in service/business contexts.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong重すぎて、持ちかねる。
It's too heavy, so I can't carry it.
Correct重すぎて、持てない。
「かねる」 is used for difficulty due to POSITION/delicacy, not for physical impossibility.
-
Wrongこのままでは、事故が起こりかねる。
At this rate, an accident could happen.
Correctこのままでは、事故が起こりかねない。
"Something bad could happen" is 「かねない」; 「かねる」 means "hard to do".
Exam tips
- 「かねる」 = hard to do (position/politeness); 「かねない」 = something bad could happen.