〜がたい

Difficult to…; Hard to…; Cannot easily…

1. Overview

「〜がたい」is used to express that a certain action, state, or feeling is difficult to achieve or realize under specific circumstances. This expression often reflects a sense of confusion, helplessness, or difficulty.

2. Structure

1. Verb (masu-form) + がたい
   Indicates that a particular action is hard to perform or achieve in a given situation.

2. Noun + がたい
   Suggests that a certain state or condition is hard to reach or understand under specific circumstances.

3. Usage Explanation

• Indicating difficulty in realization:
  This expression emphasizes that under specific conditions, a certain behavior or state is unlikely to occur.

• Expressing helplessness or confusion:
  It is often used to convey the speaker's feelings when faced with a particular difficulty or confusion.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as “difficult to…,” “hard to…,” or “cannot easily…”

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼の気持ちは理解しがたい。
   His feelings are difficult to understand.

2. この問題は解決しがたい。
   This problem is hard to resolve.

3. 彼女の行動には納得しがたいものがある。
   There is something about her behavior that I find hard to accept.

4. この状況では、正しい判断を下しがたい。
   In this situation, it is difficult to make the right judgment.

5. 約束を守ることは時に難しがたいこともある。
   Keeping promises can sometimes be hard to do.

5. Key Points to Note

• Tone:
  This expression typically conveys a sense of helplessness or confusion, reflecting an attitude toward facing difficulties.

• Usage Context:
  「〜がたい」is often used in formal contexts but is also suitable for casual conversation.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜にくい: Used to express that a certain action or state is difficult to achieve in specific circumstances, often emphasizing the difficulty.
  • Example: この本は難しすぎて読みにくい。
    This book is too difficult to read.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜づらい: A more colloquial expression indicating that an action is difficult to perform under certain conditions.
  • Example: 忙しくて、連絡しづらい。
    I am busy, so it’s hard to get in touch.

8. Summary

「〜がたい」is used to emphasize that under specific conditions, a certain action or state is difficult to realize or understand, reflecting the speaker's feelings of confusion and helplessness. This expression is applicable in various contexts and effectively conveys the emotion of difficulty.