にない (ninai)

Meaning & usage

VにVない repeats one verb, first in the dictionary form plus に and then in the negative potential, to say that someone wants to do something but circumstances will not let them, as in 笑うに笑えない or 言うに言えない. The same verb is used both times, as in 引くに引けない or 休むに休めない. It is a fixed, slightly literary pattern, and the feeling is frustration or helplessness rather than plain inability.

Example sentences 5

1. 笑わらうに笑わらえない話はなしだ。

   It's the kind of story you want to laugh at but can't.

2. 言うに言えない事情があるんです。

   There are circumstances I would like to explain but can't.

3. ここまで来たら、もう引くに引けない。

   Having come this far, we can't back out even if we wanted to.

4. 泣くに泣けない気持ちだった。

   I felt like crying but couldn't.

5. 大事な会議があって、休むに休めない。

   I have an important meeting, so I can't take the day off even though I'd like to.