〜んばかり

As if about to...; As though...

1. Overview

「〜んばかり」 is a grammatical structure used to describe a situation where it seems as though someone is about to do something or something is on the verge of happening. It emphasizes an action that is not actually occurring but appears as if it is very close to happening. This expression is often used in a poetic or literary manner and is not common in casual conversation.

2. Structure

• Verb (ない-form stem) + んばかり

Exception: する becomes せんばかり

3. Usage Explanation

• Describing Near Action:
  This structure is used to describe a situation where someone or something looks like they are about to perform an action, even though the action doesn’t actually take place.

• Poetic or Literary Tone:
  "〜んばかり" is typically used in more formal, written, or poetic contexts rather than in everyday speech. It often creates a dramatic or descriptive tone.

• English Translation:
  It is usually translated as "as if about to..." or "as though..." in English.

4. Example Sentences

1. 彼は泣き出さんばかりの表情だった。
   He had a look as if he were about to burst into tears.

2. 木の枝が折れんばかりに、強風が吹いている。
   The wind is blowing so hard that it seems as if the tree branch is about to break.

3. 彼女はその知らせを聞いて、飛び上がらんばかりに喜んだ。
   She was so happy at the news that she seemed about to jump for joy.

4. 今にも海に飛び込まんばかりの勢いで、彼は走り出した。
   He started running with such force that it seemed like he was about to dive into the sea.

5. 怒りを抑えんばかりに、彼は拳を握り締めた。
   He clenched his fists as if trying to suppress his anger.

5. Key Points to Note

• Not Common in Spoken Japanese:
  This structure is generally not used in daily conversation and is more common in writing or formal speeches, giving a poetic or dramatic effect.

• Expressing Strong Feelings or Imminent Action:
  "〜んばかり" conveys a sense of strong emotions or actions that appear to be on the verge of happening.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜そうだ: Indicates that something looks or seems likely to happen soon. However, "〜そうだ" is more common and less dramatic than "〜んばかり".
  • Example: 彼は泣きそうな顔をしている。
    He looks like he’s about to cry.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜かのように: Also used to describe something that appears to be true, though not necessarily on the verge of happening. It’s more neutral and versatile.
  • Example: 彼は泣くかのように見えた。
    He looked as if he were going to cry.

8. Summary

「〜んばかり」 is used to express a situation where something appears to be on the verge of happening. It adds a dramatic or descriptive tone to writing, making it common in literature or formal speech. This structure is best used when you want to describe something as being "almost" or "about to happen," but without the action actually taking place.