〜ようにも〜ない

〜ようにも〜ない expresses cannot even if one wants to — communicating the speaker's degree of certainty, judgment, or attitude about a statement. Modal expressions in Japanese range from strong conviction to vague possibility, and choosing the right one conveys important nuance about how sure you are.

This is a highly advanced pattern found mainly in literary works, formal speeches, legal documents, and academic writing. It is rarely used in casual conversation.

When to Use#

• When something is impossible no matter how much you want to do it
• When emphasizing complete inability despite desire

When NOT to Use#

• In casual conversation — this sounds literary or stiff; use a simpler expression

Example Sentences#

• 嫉妬心を隠そうにも隠せません。 — Even if I want to hide my jealousy, I cannot.
• 不安を抑えようにも抑えられません。 — Even if I want to control my anxiety, I cannot.
• あの辛い記憶を忘れようにも忘れられません。 — Even if I wanted to forget that painful memory, I couldn't.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ようにも〜ない interchangeably with 〜わけにはいかない — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜わけにはいかない (cannot / must not) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Using 〜ようにも〜ない in casual conversation — This pattern sounds overly formal or literary in casual speech. Reserve it for formal writing, presentations, or situations that call for elevated language.
3. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜ようにも〜ない may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜わけにはいかない (cannot / must not) — Similar