GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜てかなわない
Expresses severe discomfort caused by an uncontrollable state the speaker is directly experiencing.
Examples
窓を閉めても、外の工事がうるさくてかなわない。
Even with the window closed, the construction outside is unbearably noisy.
Words used
夏は湿気が多くてかなわない。
The humidity in summer is unbearable.
Words used
隣の部屋の音が大きくてかなわない。
The noise from the room next door is unbearably loud.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Follow a te-form describing a state with
かなわないto express discomfort that is very hard to bear. - Basic usage:
夏は湿気が多くてかなわない。complains that the high humidity in summer is extremely uncomfortable.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Adjective connection
- Connect an i-adjective with
くて:うるさいbecomesうるさくてかなわない, and大きいbecomes大きくてかなわない.
- Connect an i-adjective with
- Emotional range compared with てたまらない
うれしくてたまらないcan express a positive feeling of great happiness.てかなわないfocuses on discomfort or complaint about a troubling state, such as noise or humidity.