Cannot bear to ~; unbearable to ~
「〜にたえない」 is a structure used to express that something is so emotionally overwhelming, unbearable, or difficult that it cannot be endured. It can be applied in both negative and positive contexts, though it's more often used to express negative emotions such as sadness, anger, or disgust. In positive contexts, it can also express feelings of extreme gratitude or admiration.
Emotional intensity: This structure expresses that the subject cannot emotionally or mentally bear the situation or feeling. It implies that the action or event is beyond what can be tolerated or handled.
Common contexts: It is often used to talk about painful, disturbing, or otherwise overwhelming situations but can also express strong positive emotions like deep gratitude or admiration in specific cases.
English Translation: It can be translated as "unbearable to ~" or "cannot bear to ~."
この映画は残酷すぎて、見るにたえない。
This movie is too cruel to watch.
彼の無礼な態度は、聞くにたえない。
His rude attitude is unbearable to listen to.
感謝の気持ちにたえません。
I cannot express enough gratitude.
この小説はくだらなすぎて、読むにたえない。
This novel is too trivial to continue reading.
その悲しいニュースは、聞くにたえなかった。
The sad news was unbearable to hear.
Emotional or mental burden: The structure typically expresses emotional or mental overload. It highlights the overwhelming nature of something, whether it be sadness, pain, or even admiration.
Negative and positive usage: While it is most often used negatively (e.g., things that are too painful or unbearable), it can also be used positively, as in expressing extreme gratitude.
「〜にたえない」 is used to express that something is unbearable emotionally or mentally. Whether it's sadness, disgust, or intense gratitude, this structure emphasizes an overwhelming inability to handle the situation. It is commonly used in formal settings to express extreme emotions.