Meaning
This pattern has two usages. (1) It means there is no need to do something -- the action is unnecessary. This usage is synonymous with 「までもない」. (2) In the form 「AはBに及ばない」, it means that A does not reach the level of B in terms of ability, status, achievement, or other qualities. This usage is synonymous with 「にはかなわない」.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) | に（は）及ばない |
| Noun | に（は）及ばない |
Examples
-
A:先生、父は大丈夫ですか。B:急に倒れたので驚いたことと思いますが、脳には異常がありませんから、心配するには及びません。
A: Doctor, is my father all right?
B: I'm sure you were shocked that he collapsed suddenly, but there is nothing wrong with his brain, so there is no need to worry. -
先週、山田教授から課題の要求を聞いたので改めて聞くには及びません。
I already heard the assignment requirements from Professor Yamada last week, so there is no need to ask again. -
A:お忙しいところ、たくさん仕事を手伝っていただき、どうもありがとうございました。B:礼には及ばないよ。
A: Thank you very much for helping with so much work despite being so busy.
B: There's no need to thank me. -
人工的に木の質感を真似たプラスチック製品があるが、本物の木の質感には到底及ばない。
There are plastic products that artificially imitate the texture of wood, but they are no match for the real thing. -
どんなに勉強してても、テストの点数では後藤さんの足元にも及ばない。
No matter how much I study, my test scores don't even come close to Goto's. -
C国の工業の生産力は、欧米諸国のそれにはとうてい及ばない。
Country C's industrial production capacity is far from matching that of Western nations.
Summary
- 「〜に（は）及ばない」 means "there is no need to" or "cannot compare to"
- Attaches to Verbs (dictionary form) and Nouns