Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn u ni mo ~nai for frustrating situations where you want to but objectively cannot.
- Form and connection: [Verb volitional form] にも [同一Verb nai-form]
- Nuance in real use: うにも〜ない depicts the quintessential Japanese dilemma — wanting to but unable. It's not laziness but being trapped by reality. In Japanese literature, it often portrays characters' powerlessness and struggle.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn u ni mo ~nai for frustrating situations where you want to but objectively cannot.
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Verb volitional form] にも [同一Verb nai-form]Show answer
I have no money, so even if I want to travel, I can't.Show answer
仕事しごとが山積やまづみで、休やすもうにも休やすめない。 ([Verb volitional form] にも [同一Verb nai-form])Continue learning
～Ikan ni Kakawarazu: Regardless Of
Learn ikan ni kakawarazu — the most formal "regardless of" in Japanese. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.
～Katagata: While / Also Serving As
Learn katagata for formal dual-purpose actions — "while doing A, also B." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.
Complete Guide to Plain Forms: Linking Ideas, Quotations, and Judgments
Learn the plain forms of nouns, adjectives, and verbs and use them to modify nouns, quote speech, express time and reasons, state plans, make judgments, and build indirect questions.