Structure
Verb［ます］+ かねる
Details
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Formal
About かねる
兼ねる, a る-Verb meaning 'to spread across' (usually 2 different activities or thought processes), often follows the ます-stem of other verbs in order to highlight that '(A) is not possible'. However, 兼ねる often indicates that the speaker would actually like to do (A), but cannot due to some external circumstances such as difficulty, already being busy, being hesitant, etc.
This particular grammar pattern will most frequently be seen in its non-kanji form, although both are possible.
兼ねる is somewhat formal, and may be used in cases where a phrase like できない would be considered too strong, so the speaker wants to lightly imply that (A) cannot be done.
Fun-fact
As 兼ねる means 'to spread across', this expression can be thought of as similar to 'to be a stretch' in English. It just indicates that doing the action of (A) would be a stretch of the speaker's ability or capacity.
- 弊社は内装専門なので外装に関わるお仕事はお引き受けしかねます。It would be a bit of a stretch for us to accept exterior work, as we specialize in interiors.
Synonyms
わけにはいかない
Cannot afford to, No way, Impossible to do
Not studied yet
切れない
Being unable to finish or complete
Not studied yet
〜得ない
Unable to, Cannot
Not studied yet
を兼ねて
And also, Also (partly) to, Also (partly) for (the purpose of), At the same time, To double as, When … also, While … as well, And as
Not studied yet
を兼ねて
And also, Also (partly) to, Also (partly) for (the purpose of), At the same time, To double as, When … also, While … as well, And as
Not studied yet
Antonyms
Examples
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「役者になりたい」だなんて、賛成しかねる。
I cannot agree to (someone who says) 'I want to be an actor'. (hesitant)
専門的なプログラムには対応し兼ねる。
I cannot deal with a technical program. (hesitant)
そんな乱暴なやり方は承服し兼ねる。
I cannot consent to such reckless behavior. (hesitant)
そんな無茶な要望はお引受けし兼ねます。
I cannot accept such an absurd demand. (hesitant)
そういう方針ということでしたら、応援し兼ねます。
If it is that kind of policy, I cannot support it. (hesitant)
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かねる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
s1212z
Just to be sure, 〜えない can’t be substituted for any of these sentence, right? If you have a personal circumstance that is 100% impossible, I’m guessing 〜えない would be the choice and these examples are based on personal hesitation rather than impossibility.
Fuga
Hey @s1212z !
You are correct, because these are based on personal hesitation or external circumstances, ～得ない cannot be used!
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