ようにも（ない） (younimo nai)

Meaning & usage

V-volitional + にも + V-negative expresses wanting to do something while being unable to do it because of circumstances beyond control. It attaches to the volitional form of a verb, as in 買おうにも or 寝ようにも, followed by the same verb in a negative form, often the negative potential like 買えない or 寝られない. The two verbs must match, and the reason for inability is often stated with a noun phrase or a clause.

Example sentences 8

1. 助たすけようにも助たすけられなかった。

   I wanted to help, but I couldn't.

2. 言おうにも言えなかった。

   I wanted to say it, but I couldn't.

3. 起きようにも起きられない。

   I want to get up, but I can't.

4. 買おうにも買えないほど高い。

   I want to buy it, but it's too expensive to buy.

5. 帰ろうにも帰れない大雪だ。

   I want to go home, but the heavy snow makes it impossible.

6. 笑おうにも笑えない話だ。

   I want to laugh, but it's not a story I can laugh at.

7. 寝ようにも騒音で寝られない。

   I want to sleep, but I can't because of the noise.

8. 払おうにも払えない金額だ。

   I want to pay, but it's an amount I cannot pay.