JLPT N3

～とても～ない

Cannot possibly; no matter how hard

Structure

とても + Verb negative potential form

How it works

This combines 『とても』 (very) with a negative potential verb to strongly express that something is absolutely impossible or extremely difficult to do, implying 'no matter how much one tries'.

Examples

この箱はとても一人では運べない。

This box cannot possibly be carried by one person.

Common mistakes

Using it with a non-potential verb, or without a negative verb.

Tip

Remember 'とても' amplifying the 'cannot' aspect to 'cannot possibly'.

More JLPT N3 grammar

としてに対してについてによってに関してにとってわけだわけがない

See ～とても～ない in real Japanese

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