得ない
🃏 Flashcard
得ない
enai
Tap to reveal usage
unable to; cannot; it is not possible to~
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
enai
Post ID
51014
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
unable to; cannot; it is not possible to~
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
得ない
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat 得ない 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 得ない. 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 N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern 得ない mean?
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Unable to; cannot; it is not possible to~
What JLPT level is 得ない?
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JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. To pass JLPT N2 you need to recognise and use this pattern correctly in reading and listening sections.
How do you use 得ない in a sentence?
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Attach 得ない (enai) 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 得ない formal or casual Japanese?
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得ない 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 得ない 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 at 10 minutes, 1 day and 3 days (spaced repetition). Writing two original sentences at each review session is the fastest way to reach production-level mastery.