[verb volitional] + にも〜ない【にも〜ない】

The pattern [verb volitional] + にも + [same verb in negative] expresses the idea that one cannot do something even if one wants or tries to. It conveys frustration, helplessness, or an unavoidable inability – the speaker has the desire or intention to act, but external circumstances or conditions prevent them from doing so.

The structure repeats the same verb twice: first in its volitional form (～よう / ～おう), then in its negative form (～ない / ～ません).

Formation

The pattern is formed as: V[volitional] + にも + V[potential negative]

The second verb is most commonly in the potential negative form (～られない / ～えない), emphasizing that the action is simply not possible. However, sometimes the plain negative (～ない) is used as well, particularly with verbs that don't have a distinct potential form or where the context already implies inability.

• いく行く → 行こうにも行けない (can't go even if one wants to)
• たべる食べる → 食べようにも食べられない (can't eat even if one wants to)
• ねる寝る → 寝ようにも寝られない (can't sleep even if one wants to)
• する → しようにもできない (can't do it even if one wants to)

Usage notes

This pattern is used when there is a clear reason or obstacle preventing the action. The reason is often stated in a preceding or following clause.

It carries a strong nuance of frustration or resignation – the speaker genuinely wants to do something but is powerless to act. This makes it distinct from simply saying ～できない, which is a neutral statement of inability.

Comparison with ～たくても～ない

The related pattern ～たくても～ない ("even if one wants to, one can't") is similar in meaning but slightly less emphatic. [verb volitional] にも～ない tends to sound more literary or dramatic, and is used when emphasizing the weight of the obstacle.