〜に堪えない
cannot bear to ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜に堪えない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜に堪えない」 means "cannot bear to ~". Structure: Verb dictionary + に堪えない. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1統治の現状は見るに堪えない。
とうち の げんじょう は みる に たえない。
touchi no genjou wa miru ni taenai.
The current state of the governance is unbearable to see.
Everyday life
Example 2勝訴の現状は見るに堪えない。
しょうそ の げんじょう は みる に たえない。
shouso no genjou wa miru ni taenai.
The current state of the winning a lawsuit is unbearable to see.
Everyday life
Example 3国際化の現状は見るに堪えない。
こくさいか の げんじょう は みる に たえない。
kokusaika no genjou wa miru ni taenai.
The current state of the internationalization is unbearable to see.
Everyday life
Example 4衰弱の現状は見るに堪えない。
すいじゃく の げんじょう は みる に たえない。
suijaku no genjou wa miru ni taenai.
The current state of the weakening is unbearable to see.
Everyday life
Example 5偵察の現状は見るに堪えない。
ていさつ の げんじょう は みる に たえない。
teisatsu no genjou wa miru ni taenai.
The current state of the reconnaissance is unbearable to see.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
The current state of the governance is unbearable to see.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜に堪えない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.