～に堪えない JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-dictionary form + に堪えない, Noun + 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

• 彼の冗談は聞くに堪えない。

  His jokes are unbearable to listen to.

  Kare no joudan wa kiku ni taenai.

• その映画は見るに堪えないほどひどい出来だ。

  That movie is so bad that it’s unbearable to watch.

  Sono eiga wa miru ni taenai hodo hidoi deki da.

• この小説は読むに堪えないほど退屈だ。

  This novel is so boring that it’s unbearable to read.

  Kono shousetsu wa yomu ni taenai hodo taikutsu da.

• 彼の行動は見るに堪えない。

  His behavior is unbearable to watch.

  Kare no koudou wa miru ni taenai.