is the **negative potential form** of
(to think/consider). It expresses that something is **unthinkable, inconceivable, or unimaginable**, or that one **cannot think of** or **cannot consider** something. It is used in everyday conversation and written Japanese to convey strong disbelief, impossibility, or inability to come up with an idea.
Unthinkable / Inconceivable
The most common usage is to express that something is beyond belief or comprehension – that you simply cannot accept or imagine it.
。
Such a thing is unthinkable.
。
It's inconceivable that he would lie.
The patterns 〜～ and 〜～ are especially common for expressing shock or disbelief. 〜～ is slightly more formal.
Cannot think of / Cannot come up with
can also mean that you are **unable to think of** something, such as a reason, solution, or possibility.
。
I can't think of any other cause.
。
I can't come up with a good method.
Cannot consider / Out of the question
It can express that something cannot be considered as a viable option or possibility.
。
In the current situation, changing jobs is out of the question.
Like other potential forms, can be conjugated further:
- Polite:
- Past:
- Polite past:
Lingaku