Verb ないものだろうか
Verb nai mono darou ka
JLPT N1 Very formal, literary
Formation
Verb-negative (often negative potential) + ものだろうか
Expressing hope or wonder if something can be done: 'Isn't there a way...?', 'Can't we...?'
When to use
ないものだろうか: a hopeful 'couldn't it somehow' (formal).
Explanation
This grammar point is used when the speaker expresses the hope, wish, or wonder if an action could be possible. It creates the nuance of 'Isn't there some way...?' or 'Can't I/you/we...?' in English, often with the negative potential form.
Example sentences
-
If I had more time, wouldn't it be possible to come here?
Motto jikan ga areba, koko ni korarenai mono darou ka.
-
If I explain it better to her, wouldn't she understand?
Kanojo ni motto yoku setsumei sureba, rikai dekinai mono darou ka.
-
Isn't there a way to solve this problem?
Kono mondai o kaiketsu suru houhou wa nai mono darou ka.
-
Can't I admit my own mistakes?
Jibun no machigai o mitomerarenai mono darou ka.
Wish And Hope (I Hope / If Only)
- ～さえ～ば〜sae ~baN2Expresses that, as long as a certain condition is met…
- ～ものなら〜mono naraN2Expresses a conditional wish or unlikely possibility; 'if…
- ～ば～のに〜ba 〜noniN3Expresses regret or dissatisfaction; 'if only', 'wish'.
- ～ば～ものを～ba～mono oN1Expresses regret or a missed opportunity: 'if only', 'had…
- ～といいなあ〜to ii naaN3Express a wish or hope; 'it would be nice if', 'I hope…
- ～ばよかった〜ba yokattaN3Express a sense of regret; 'I wish', 'it would have been…
- ～ますように〜masu you niN3Used to express a wish or hope for oneself or someone else.
- どうにか～ないものかdō ni ka ~ nai mono kaN2Express a strong desire or wish for something to be…