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Decoded Slug: Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Verbる にも Verb れない (Verbる にも Verb れない)

Short explanation:

Expresses the idea of 'even if I try or want to do something, I am still unable to do it'.

Formation:

Verb-potential form + にも + Verb-negative form

Examples:

彼を理解しようにも理解できない。
Kare wo rikai shiyou ni mo rikai dekinai.
Even if I try to understand him, I can't.
走ろうにも走れない。
Hashirou ni mo hashirenai.
Even if I want to run, I can't.
泣こうにも泣けない。
Nakou ni mo nakenai.
Even if I want to cry, I can't.
忘れようにも忘れられない。
Wasureyou ni mo wasurerarenai.
Even if I want to forget, I can't.

Long explanation:

The にも Verb れない grammar point is used to express the situation when one tries or wants to do something, but can't do it. It is translated in English as 'Even if I try to..., I can't...' or 'Even if I want to..., I can't...'. It is usually used with potential form verbs.
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