Japanese grammar
What does ～とても～ない mean? Japanese grammar N3
～とても～ない means cannot possibly ~; simply cannot ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | とても + potential form/できる + ない |
| Romaji | totemo nai |
| Meaning | cannot possibly ~; simply cannot ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | とても + potential/できる + ない |
|---|
How to use it
Emphasizes “no matter how hard you try, it's impossible.” Here 「とても」 does NOT mean “very” but pairs with a negative predicate.
- 「とても～ない」 = completely impossible, hopeless even if you try. The clause after MUST be a negative potential (運べない・できない).
- This is the second meaning of 「とても」 — completely different from 「とても難しい」 (very difficult). Distinguish by whether the sentence is negative.
- Usually comes with a reason in the preceding clause: 「重くて、とても運べない」.
Examples
この荷物は重くて、とても一人では運べない。
This luggage is so heavy that I cannot possibly carry it alone.
今日中に全部読むのはとてもできません。
I cannot possibly finish reading everything today.
Keep in mind
- The second clause must be negative — omitting it changes the meaning.
- Often uses the potential form: 運べない・できない・間に合わない.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongとても一人で運べる。
Correctとても一人では運べない。
The meaning “no way possible” requires a negative predicate.
Exam tips
- 「とても～ない」 = completely impossible; here 「とても」 is DIFFERENT from the meaning “very”.