Japanese grammar
What does どうにか～ないものか mean? Japanese grammar N2
どうにか～ないものか means isn't there some way to…? (a hopeful wish).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | どうにか + V可能形（ない）+ ものか なんとか + V可能形（ない）+ ものだろうか |
| Romaji | dounika naimonoka |
| Meaning | isn't there some way to…? (a hopeful wish) |
Forming it
| Variant | ならない → どうにかならないものか |
|---|---|
| Potential form | 解決できない → どうにか解決できないものか |
How to use it
Expresses an earnest wish that a difficult situation be resolved. A lament, not a question addressed to anyone.
- The standard pattern uses the negative POTENTIAL FORM: 「どうにか安く買えないものか」 (isn't there some way to buy it cheaper?).
- A very common fixed phrase: 「どうにかならないものか」 (isn't there something that can be done?) — used when feeling helpless about a situation.
- Not a real question: the speaker is lamenting and hoping for a way out. 「どうにか」 can be replaced with 「なんとか」.
Examples
この渋滞、どうにかならないものか。
This traffic jam — can nothing be done about it?
もっと安く手に入らないものかと、あちこち探した。
I searched everywhere, wondering if I could get it cheaper.
Keep in mind
- Uses the negative potential form, not the causative form.
- It's a lament, not something that demands an answer.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongどうにかこの仕事を終わらせないものか。
Isn't there some way to get this work done?
Correctどうにかこの仕事を終わらせられないものか。
The negative POTENTIAL form must be used; the original sentence ends up meaning "isn't there a way to leave it unfinished?".
-
Wrongどうにかならないものかと聞いてください。
I keep wondering if there's some way to fix this.
Correctどうにかならないものかと考えている。
This is an inward lament, not a question addressed to someone for an answer.
Exam tips
- 「どうにか～ないものか」 = isn't there some way...; uses the negative potential form.