Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 10: 13/33

ては叶(かな)わないIt's unbearable when, It'd be unbearable if, I can't stand it when, I couldn’t stand it if

(A) にはかなわない is used when one is no match for (A)

Structure

Verb［られる］［て］＋ては(1)＋かなわない
［い］Adjective［い］＋くては(1)＋かなわない
［な］Adjective＋では(2)＋かなわない
Noun＋では(2)＋かなわない


(1) ちゃ
(2)じゃ

Details

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    Standard

About てはかなわない

In order to convey that something is undesirable, the grammar structure てはかなわない may be used. This combines the conjunction particle て, the adverbial particle は, and the negative form of the う-Verb 叶(かな)う ‘to grant (a wish)’, or ‘to realize (a goal)’. This may be interpreted as ‘it’s unbearable when (A)’, or ‘I can’t stand it when (A)’. However, the literal translation is ‘it’s not a dream come true for (A)’.

When used following verbs, the (A) verb is often in the passive. This indicates that the speaker does not like being the target or victim of (A). However, standard verb structures may also be seen.

In addition to this, てはかなわない may follow the conjunctive form of い-Adjectives, or appear as ではかなわない when following な-Adjectives.

Caution

Although many grammar structures frequently appear in hiragana, making their original kanji hard to identify, it will be important not to mix up 叶(かな)う ‘to grant’ with 敵(かな)う ‘to be a match for’. Grammatically, these verbs are both used quite differently.

  • 漢字(かんじ)とくると彼女(かのじょ)にはかなわない。
    She is no match for me when it comes to kanji.

Examples

--:--

    こう寒(さむ)くてはかなわない。

    It's unbearable when it's cold like this.

    雨(あめ)に降(ふ)られてはかなわない。

    I can't stand getting rained on.

    上(うえ)の部屋(へや)の人(ひと)がうるさくてはかなわない。

    It's unbearable when the people upstairs are noisy.

    話(はなし)をしている時(とき)、非常識(ひじょうしき)なひとに邪魔(じゃま)されてはかなわない。

    It's unbearable when I am interrupted by a thoughtless person when I am speaking.

    毎日(まいにち)こんなに蒸(む)し暑(あつ)くてはかなわない。

    It's unbearable when it is so humid every day like this.

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