JLPT N4 Grammar (nakanaka~nai)

Meaning

not easy to; struggling to; not able to ~

How to use

なかなかVerb (negative form)
nakanaka~nai なかなか~ない なかなか~ない jlpt n4 grammar meaning 文法 例文 japanese flashcards

Learn Japanese grammar: (nakanaka~nai). Meaning: not easy to; struggling to; not able to; can’t seem to ~.

This implies that the speaker has made an effort to do something, but cannot seem to be able to do it.

This grammar can also be used with Adjectives and Nouns for a slightly different meaning. See JLPT N3 lesson .


nakanaka~nai なかなか~ない なかなか~ない jlpt n4 grammar meaning 文法 例文 learn japanese flashcards

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- Example Sentences

Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.

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Example #1

かぜがなかなかなおらない。
kaze ga nakanaka naoranai.
I can't seem to shake of this cold.
Example #2

このかいぎはなかなか終わらない。
kono kaigi wa nakanaka owaranai.
This meeting just won't seem to end.
Example #3

ひがなかなかもえない。
hi ga nakanaka moenai.
The fire won't burn.
Example #4

さっきコーヒーをのんだせいで、なかなかねられません。
sakki koohii o nonda sei de, nakanaka neraremasen.
Because I drank coffee a little while ago, I can't seem to fall asleep.
Example #5

わたしのにほんごはなかなかじょうたつしない。
watashi no nihongo wa nakanaka joutatsu shinai.
My Japanese doesn't seem to be improving.
Example #6

もうくるはずなんですが、なかなかバスがきませんね。
mou kuru hazu nan desu ga, nakanaka basu ga kimasen ne.
It should have arrived already, but the bus doesn't seem to be coming. 
Example #7

まいにちうんどうをし、たべるりょうもへらしたのですが、なかなかやせないんだ。
mainichi undou o shi, taberu ryou mo herashita no desu ga, nakanaka yasenai nda.
I exercise every day and have reduced my food volume, but I just can't seem to lose any weight.
Example #8

タバコをやめたいとおもっているんですが、なかなかやめることができません。
tabako o yametai to omotteiru n desu ga, nakanaka yameru koto ga dekimasen.
I've been thinking about quitting smoking, but I just can't seem to do it.

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