~でならない JLPT N2 Neutral
〜de naranai
Indicates an uncontrollable emotion or feeling; 'can’t help but', 'overwhelmingly'.
"Can't help but feel.../overwhelmingly" - specifically for an uncontrollable emotion, not an action.
Formation
な-Adjective + でならない / い-Adjective (く) + てならない / Verb-て + ならない
Explanation
The ~でならない grammar pattern expresses a very strong, often involuntary feeling - e.g., '不思議でならない' (it’s so mysterious I can’t help thinking about it), '残念でならない' (I’m so disappointed), '心配でならない' (I’m extremely worried).
Example sentences
-
I can’t help but be amazed at his wonderful performance.
Kare no engi ga subarashikute naranai.
-
I can’t stop worrying about the exam results.
Gōkaku happyō ga ki ni natte naranai.
-
My friend moved away, and I feel unbearably lonely.
Tomodachi ga hikkoshite shimatte, sabishikute naranai.
-
It’s my first trip abroad, and I’m extremely anxious.
Hajimete no kaigai ryokō de, fuan de naranai.
Can't Help But (Overwhelming Feeling)
- ~ていられない JLPT N2
- ~でたまらない JLPT N2
- Verb てやまない JLPT N1
- Verb ずにはすまない JLPT N1
- ~ずにはいられない JLPT N2