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に足らない/に足りない
N1 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
ni taranai/tarinai
cannot; not worthy; not worth doing ~
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🃏 Flashcard
に足らない/に足りない
ni taranai/tarinai
Tap to reveal usage
cannot; not worthy; not worth doing ~
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading ni taranai/tarinai
Post ID 51316
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

cannot; not worthy; not worth doing ~

📖 How to use it

Expresses that something is not worth doing or is beneath consideration, often conveying disdain or dismissal.

Attaches to Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. The pattern is used with verbs, not directly with nouns. For nouns, a verb such as する must be inserted (e.g., 信頼するに足らない).

This pattern is used to say that something is not worth the effort, attention, or worry. It carries a somewhat formal, evaluative tone, often implying that the thing in question is trivial or insignificant. You'll encounter it in written opinions, critiques, or speeches more than in casual chat.

When attached to a verb, it means 'not worth doing that verb' (e.g., 読むに足らない = not worth reading). The form に足らない is slightly more literary; に足りない is more common in modern usage, but both are acceptable.

For example, you might say that a rumor is not worth worrying about, or that a movie is not worth watching. It's a way to dismiss something as unworthy of your time or consideration.

この本は読むに足らない。
Kono hon wa yomu ni taranai.
This book is not worth reading.
彼の意見は信頼するに足らない。
Kare no iken wa shinrai suru ni taranai.
His opinion is not worthy of trust.
そんな小さな失敗は気にするに足りない。
Sonna chiisana shippai wa ki ni suru ni tarinai.
Such a small mistake is not worth worrying about.
Not にたえない (ni taenai) にたえない means 'cannot bear/stand' (e.g., 見るにたえない = too awful to watch), while に足らない means 'not worth doing' (e.g., 見るに足らない = not worth watching). The former emphasizes emotional repulsion, the latter emphasizes lack of value.
Register This is a formal, written-style expression; in casual conversation, you'd more likely say する価値がない or 無駄だ.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
に足らない/に足りない
📚 How to Master This Pattern
🔊
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat に足らない/に足りない three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
🃏
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
✍️
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using に足らない/に足りない. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
⏰
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
切りがない
kiri ga nai
endless; boundless; there’s no end to ~
とばかりに
to bakari ni
as if to say; as though~
どうにも〜ない
dou nimo~nai
not … by any means
とは比べものにならない
towa kurabemono ni naranai
can't compare with ~
といい〜といい
to ii~to ii
both ... and; whether it be ... or ~
ではあるまいか
dewa arumai ka
isn't it; I wonder if it’s not ~
← Previous
に耐える / に耐えない
worth doing; cannot bear doing ~
Next →
に足る / に足りる
can do; worthy; worth doing
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern に足らない/に足りない mean? ▼
Cannot; not worthy; not worth doing ~
What JLPT level is に足らない/に足りない? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use に足らない/に足りない in a sentence? ▼
Attach に足らない/に足りない (ni taranai/tarinai) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is に足らない/に足りない formal or casual Japanese? ▼
に足らない/に足りない is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember に足らない/に足りない long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.