～なかなか～ない
nakanaka nai
Not easily; still not, despite waiting or effort
N5JLPT
Formation 接続
なかなか+negative predicate
Full formation notes
なかなか + negative predicate
Explanation 説明
Describes an expected or desired result that is slow or difficult to occur. It often conveys frustration, persistence or difficulty.
Examples 例文
-
なかなか寝ません。
They will not go to sleep, no matter how long I wait.
-
この問題はなかなか解けない。
This problem is not easy to solve.
How related patterns differ 比較
あまり～ない means not much or not very; 全然～ない denies completely. なかなか～ない describes difficulty reaching a desired result, whereas めったに～ない describes rarity. ちっとも～ない emphasizes not at all.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～なかなか～ない | Not easily; still not, despite waiting or effort | なかなか寝ません。 They will not go to sleep, no matter how long I wait. |
| ～あまり～ない | Not very; not much; not often | この文法が、あまり分かりません。教えてください。 I do not understand this grammar very well. Please explain it to me. |
| ～全然～ない | Not at all; completely not | お金が全然ありません。 I have no money at all. |
| ちっとも～ない | Not at all | 会議が延期されても、ちっとも困らない。 It would not trouble me at all if the meeting were postponed. |
| めったに～ない | Rarely; seldom; hardly ever | 私は外にめったに出かけない。 I rarely go out. |
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