cannot even…if wants
would like to…but cannot
wants to…but cannot
Structure
- Verb1[ る ] + に + Verb1[Potential[ ない ]]
[A[る]にA[Potential[ない]] is used when one wants to do action A, but circumstances make it impossible]
[言うに言えない、泣くに泣けない and 引くに引けない are common set expressions using this pattern]
[This pattern is generally used with に by itself. Sometimes Verb[る]にも is used, but the verb is not repeated and some other verb in negative form is used instead]
For the sentence:
「部長のその高圧的な態度のせいで、周りの従業員は部長に不満を言うに言えないでいる」
Does the 「言うに言えない」part of the sentence get treated as a Noun/Na-adjective?
How come it can be used with 「〜でいる」？
ないでいる means to remain in a state of not doing something, or in a state of being unable to do something. The subject must be capable of feeling and intention.
I found this link, maybe it helps: 〜ないでいる・〜ずにいる｜日本語能力試験 JLPT N３ : 絵でわかる日本語
Thank you!! What the fek, first time I’m seeing this.
I feel like I’ve never seen this anywhere in the wild…
I wonder how rare it is? Most cases just 〜ていない is used?