てかなわない
Cannot bear / extremely affected by (strong feeling or condition) → expresses that something is so intense that it causes serious difficulty or distress
N1
Meaning
Cannot bear / extremely affected by (strong feeling or condition) → expresses that something is so intense that it causes serious difficulty or distress
Formation
Verb (て-form) + かなわない
い-adjective (くて) + かなわない
な-adjective (で) + かなわない
Explanation
てかなわない is used when a feeling, state, or condition is so strong that the speaker finds it hard to endure or manage.
🔸 てかなわない emphasizes degree, not inability
Unlike simple “difficult” expressions, this grammar emphasizes:
degree (very strong)
negative impact on the speaker
a sense of being overwhelmed
Typical sources include:
physical conditions (heat, noise, pain)
emotional states (loneliness, anxiety)
uncomfortable situations
Key nuance:
The condition is ongoing, not momentary
Often sounds subjective and personal
Can appear in written language, but is less formal than legal N1 grammar