Meaning
This grammar pattern is used to express negative conjecture based on outward appearance or circumstances. It indicates 'it doesn't seem/appear to be...' or 'it doesn't look like...' You form it by combining the negative form of adjectives or nouns with なさそうだ to express your impression that something is unlikely or doesn't seem to be a certain way.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| い形容词(…い→)く | なさそうだ |
| な形容词 じゃ | なさそうだ |
| 名词 じゃ | なさそうだ |
Examples
-
彼は芸能事務所に入ったばかりで、芝居をした経験はあまりなさそうだ。
He just joined an entertainment agency, so it seems like he doesn't have much acting experience. -
この刺身は、新鮮じゃなさそうだし、おいしくなさそうだ。
This sashimi doesn't look fresh, and it doesn't seem like it would taste good. -
A:山田くんは走るのが速いから、わたしたちのクラブに誘いませんか？B:彼は毎日学校が終わってからすぐ家に帰るので、クラブに入る人ではなさそうです。
A: Yamada runs fast, so why don't we invite him to join our club? B: He goes straight home after school every day, so he doesn't seem like the type of person who would join a club.
Summary
- Use ~なさそう to express negative conjecture based on appearance or situation
- Formation: い-adjective (く) + なさそう; な-adjective/noun + じゃなさそう
- For verbs, use 動詞(ます形)そうもない/そうにない instead to express negative conjecture