Meaning
The expression is used to indicate that, despite wanting or trying to do something, it is not possible due to constraints or obstacles.
It emphasizes the inability to accomplish an action, even with the desire or effort to do so.
The phrase can be translated as "wanting to do something but being unable to because of certain reasons."
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞 | 動詞 （意向形） + にも + Vない |
Examples
-
大学の友達に連絡をとりたいんだけど、電話番号もFacebookも知らないので、連絡を取ろうにも取れない。
I want to get in touch with my university friends, but I don’t know their phone numbers or Facebook accounts, so even though I try to contact them, I can’t. -
タイに来たんだけど、英語が通じなくて道を聞こうにも聞けない。
I came to Thailand, but since English isn't understood here, even though I try to ask for directions, I can't. -
夜中の２時まで飲んでしまって、もう終電もないし、タクシーもないので、帰ろうにも帰れない。
I drank until 2 a.m., and since there are no more last trains or taxis, even though I try to go home, I can’t.「 -
バイクを運転中に転倒してしまい、起きようにも起きれない状態だ。
I fell off my motorcycle while riding, and I’m in a state where I can’t get up even though I try. -
明日は休みたかったんだけど、システムトラブルのせいで、休もうにも休めない。
I wanted to take a day off tomorrow, but due to a system issue, even though I try to take a break, I can’t. -
お金がなくて困っている友達があまりにも可哀想だったので、断ろうにも断れず、お金を貸してしまった。
I felt so sorry for my friend who was in trouble because of a lack of money, so even though I wanted to refuse, I couldn’t and ended up lending them money.
Summary
- 〜ようにも〜ない means "Even though I try to (do something), I can't (do it)."
- Formation: 動詞 → 動詞 （意向形） + にも + Vない
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern