～に堪えない
～ni taenai
JLPT N1 Very formal, literary
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + に堪えない, Noun + に堪えない
Indicates something is unbearable or not worth doing (e.g., 'unbearable to watch', 'unbearable to listen to').
When to use
に堪えない: unbearable to, or too much to (見るに堪えない).
Explanation
The ～に堪えない grammar pattern is used when something is so unpleasant, awful, or painful that one cannot tolerate it. Common verbs include 見るに堪えない, 聞くに堪えない, 読むに堪えない, etc., meaning 'unbearable to see/hear/read.'
Example sentences
-
His jokes are unbearable to listen to.
Kare no joudan wa kiku ni taenai.
-
That movie is so bad that it’s unbearable to watch.
Sono eiga wa miru ni taenai hodo hidoi deki da.
-
This novel is so boring that it’s unbearable to read.
Kono shousetsu wa yomu ni taenai hodo taikutsu da.
-
His behavior is unbearable to watch.
Kare no koudou wa miru ni taenai.
Worth (Worth Doing / In Vain / Bearable)
- ～がい〜gaiN2Expresses 'worth doing' for verbs.
- ～かいがあって〜kaiga atteN2Used to express that an effort is worth it or has value…
- ～かいもなく〜kai mo nakuN2Expresses the meaning of 'without worth', 'in vain'…
- ～に堪える～ni taeruN1Used to say that something is 'worth doing' or 'can stand…
- ～に耐える～ni taeruN1To endure or withstand something; 'endure', 'withstand'…
- ～足る Noun〜taru NounN1Indicates that something is worthy or sufficient to be…