← All grammar
〜かねる
Cannot / reluctant to — inability due to emotional reasons
Formation
Verb ます-stem + かねる
Usage
Expresses that the speaker finds it difficult or is reluctant to do something, usually due to emotional or social reasons. Polite way to say 'cannot'.
Example sentences
その質問にはお答えしかねます。
I cannot answer that question.
この条件では承諾しかねます。
Under these conditions, I cannot accept.
彼の態度は理解しかねる。
I cannot understand his attitude.
そのような要求には応じかねます。
We cannot comply with such a request.
この問題は私一人では判断しかねます。
I cannot judge this problem alone.
Related grammar