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
申し訳ありませんが、その件はお答えしかねます。
I am sorry, but I am unable to answer on that matter.
急なご依頼には、対応しかねます。
We are unable to respond to such a sudden request.