ようがない
🃏 Flashcard
ようがない
you ga nai
Tap to reveal usage
there is no way to; it’s impossible to~
N3
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N3
Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast
Reading
you ga nai
Post ID
50986
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
there is no way to; it’s impossible to~
📖 How to use it
Expresses that there is no way or method to do something, meaning it's impossible.
Attaches to
Attach to the ます-stem (連用形) of a verb. For verbs like 言う, the stem is 言い; for する, the stem is し.
This pattern is used when you want to say that something cannot be done because there is no method, means, or way to do it. It often carries a sense of resignation or frustration, like 'there's just no way to...'. It's a common N3 expression in both spoken and written Japanese, though it feels slightly more formal than just saying できない.
To form it, take the ます-stem of a verb (the form before ます) and attach ようがない. For example, 直す becomes 直しようがない. Note that for する verbs, the stem is し, so 連絡する becomes 連絡しようがない. This pattern is not used with nouns or adjectives; it's only for verbs.
こんなに壊れてしまったら、もう直しようがない。
Konna ni kowarete shimattara, mou naoshiyou ga nai.
If it's broken this badly, there's no way to fix it anymore.
彼の考えは全く理解しようがない。
Kare no kangae wa mattaku rikai shiyou ga nai.
There's no way to understand his thinking at all.
時間がないから、今から行っても間に合いようがない。
Jikan ga nai kara, ima kara itte mo ma ni aiyou ga nai.
Since there's no time, even if we leave now, there's no way we'll make it.
Not わけがない
わけがない means 'it's impossible that' (expressing strong disbelief), while ようがない means 'there is no way to do something' due to lack of a method. For example, 彼が来るわけがない means 'There's no way he'll come (I don't believe it)', but 彼を呼びようがない means 'There's no way to call him (because I don't have his number, etc.)'.
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Used in both spoken and written Japanese, but it is slightly more formal than just saying できない. In casual conversation, you might hear 〜ようがない in set phrases, but it's not overly stiff.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ようがない
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ようがない 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 ようがない. 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 N3 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ようがない mean?
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There is no way to; it’s impossible to~
What JLPT level is ようがない?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N3 — Intermediate · Expressing nuance & contrast. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ようがない in a sentence?
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Attach ようがない (you ga nai) 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 ようがない formal or casual Japanese?
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ようがない is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember ようがない long-term?
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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.