なかなか～ない question

Grammar Points
#1

なかなか～ない
not really
not considerably
なかなか (Noun) + Verb[ ない]
https://bunpro.jp/grammar_points/444

Question: What is the meaning of なかなか～ない when used with verbs like 届くwhere “not really” can’t be used as translation:

荷物がなかなか届きません。

Is it:

  1. The parcel didn’t arrive yet
  2. The parcel will not arrive (on time or not at all)
  3. The parcel was delivered, but with difficulties
    ?
#2

@mrnoone
Is it better to post questions like this into the “Japanese” category?

#3

I asked a native and they used the wording “seems not to” as alternative in this context. They explained there is a nuance here that may get lost otherwise. It needs a “trying” but “can’t” feel to it.

Not to be confused with:

image
5521E5B2-60B1-4B9E-BF2B-8EBB36C894DE.jpeg587×940 338 KB

1 Like
#4

Thanks! So the best translation would be “It seems that the parcel won’t be delivered”?

Maybe “seems not to” should be added to the grammar point translation/explanation.

#5

@Anthropos888
@s1212z

My favorite translation of this grammar point is not easily, since it is the closest to Japanese.

You can post in both places, but this week I will be answering slower :+1: