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Grammar › N2 · 07 Verb-form patterns

〜かねる: cannot; find it hard to

N2 · 07 Verb-form patterns

A polite way to say you cannot do something, usually because of your position or situation.

Verb ます-stem + かねる. Mostly used in business to refuse politely: 承諾しかねます. It does not mean the person lacks ability; it means "I can't, for reasons". The opposite is 〜かねない.

Examples

I am sorry, but I am unable to answer on that matter.

We are unable to respond to such a sudden request.

Study 〜かねる in the course →