Japanese word

かなわない

Pronunciation

Romajikanawanai

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveno match for ___

Example

私はあの選手にはかなわないです。watashi wa a no sen shu ni wa ka na wa na i de su

I am no match for that athlete.

Illustration for かなわない (no match for ___)

More examples

今の私では、師匠にはかなわないです。ima no watashi de wa shi shō ni wa ka na wa na i de su

As I am now, I am no match for my teacher.

Core concept

Describes a situation in which another person is so capable that matching or competing with them is not possible.

Common phrases

  • 相手にはかなわないai te ni wa ka na wa na i

    be no match for one's opponent

  • 全くかなわないmatta ku ka na wa na i

    be completely outmatched by ___

Definition in Japanese

相手の力や技量が上回っていて、競争や勝負で同等に対抗できないさま。ai te no chikara ya gi ryō ga uwa mawa tte i te kyō sō ya shō bu de dō tō ni tai kō de ki na i sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 敵う (kanau, "to match or rival") combines with ない (nai, "not") to form かなわない (kanawanai).

Usage tips

  • In sports and other contests, this expression can convey respectful admission that an opponent is stronger rather than hostility toward that opponent.

Opposites

  • かなうkanaumatchverb

Word lists with this word