Meaning
Used to express that something is unbearable or unacceptable, often conveying strong emotions. It typically describes deep pain, reluctance, or inability to tolerate a situation or action.
Can't endure; can't tolerate; heart aches at doing something. '忍ぶ' means 'to endure' or 'to bear.' The word '忍ぶ' means 'to endure' or 'to tolerate'.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞 | 動詞 （辞書形）+ に忍びない |
Examples
-
彼女にもらったプレゼントなので、いくらボロボロになったといっても捨てるに忍びない。
It's a gift from her, so I can't bear to throw it away, even though it's worn out. -
海外のデモで多くの人が亡くなったり、怪我をしたというニュースは聞くに忍びない。
I can't bear to hear the news that many people have been killed or injured in protests overseas. -
勉強やアルバイトで疲れて寝ている息子を起こすに忍びない。
I can't bear to wake up my son who is sleeping soundly after studying and working part-time. -
彼がこれまでにしてきたひどい行為の数々は語るに忍びない。
I can't bear to speak of the many terrible things he has done. -
このシャツ、もう着れなくなったけど、けっこういい値段だったので、捨てるに忍びない。
I can't bear to throw away this shirt even though I can't wear it anymore because it was quite expensive. -
ペットが病気で弱っていく姿を見るに忍びない。
I can't bear to watch my pet grow weaker due to illness.
Summary
- 〜に忍びない means "can't bear it;It's unbearable;It pains me to~"
- Formation: 動詞 → 動詞 （辞書形）+ に忍びない
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern