SuGoiSuす語彙すGrammar › N1 · 06 Forms of verbs and nouns
〜んばかりに: as if about to
N1 · 06 Forms of verbs and nouns
Describes a state that is very close to doing something, using a strong image.
Verb ない-form (without い) + んばかり (泣かんばかり, 〜んばかりの). する → せんばかり. Used in descriptions. Not used for real intentions.
Examples
母は今にも泣き出さんばかりの顔で、私を見つめた。
My mother looked at me with a face as if about to burst into tears.
観客は割れんばかりの拍手を送った。
The audience gave applause that seemed ready to split the hall.