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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

〜to ittara ari wa shinai

Express extreme exclamation; 'extremely', 'unbelievable', 'unsurpassed'.

Very formal, literary exclamation - "extremely, beyond words"; dramatic, rare in casual speech.

Formation

Explanation

The ～といったらありはしない grammar point is used to express an extreme degree of something, often surprise or admiration. It can be loosely translated as 'unbelievably...' or 'incredibly...'.

Example sentences

  • His English is unbelievably good.

    Kare no eigo no jouzusa to ittara ari wa shinai.

  • These sweets are unbelievably delicious.

    Kono suiitsu no oishisa to ittara ari wa shinai.

  • That kid's intelligence is unsurpassed.

    Sono ko no atama no yosa to ittara ari wa shinai.

  • Her beauty is beyond belief.

    Kanojo no utsukushisa to ittara ari wa shinai.

Extremity (Extremely / Utterly)