Japanese word

とうてい

Pronunciation

Romajitōtei

Meaning

  • adverbcannot possibly

Example

その話はとうてい信じられません。so no hanashi wa tō te i shin ji ra re ma se n

I cannot possibly believe that story.

Illustration for とうてい (cannot possibly)

More examples

彼の説明はとうてい納得できません。kare no setsu mei wa tō te i nat toku de ki ma se n

I cannot possibly accept his explanation.

Core concept

Places an action or conclusion completely outside the range of what the speaker can accept, believe, or accomplish.

Common phrases

  • とうてい信じられないtō te i shin ji ra re na i

    cannot possibly believe

  • とうてい納得できないtō te i nat toku de ki na i

    cannot possibly accept

  • とうてい認められないtō te i mito me ra re na i

    cannot possibly acknowledge

Similar words

とてもtotemo: It intensifies a negative statement about what can be believed, accepted, or done.
どうしてもdōshitemo: It indicates that a desired action cannot be achieved regardless of the effort made.
決してkesshite: It denies a possibility completely and applies the denial to every circumstance.
絶対にzettaini: It expresses absolute certainty or denial without leaving room for exceptions.

Definition in Japanese

否定の表現を伴い、可能性や受け入れる余地が全くないさま。hi tei no hyō gen o tomona i ka nō sei ya u ke i re ru yo chi ga matta ku na i sa ma

Word origin

The spelling 到底 (tōtei) uses 到 (tō, "reach") and 底 (tei, "bottom"), and the compound's image of reaching the very bottom underlies its modern use with negative statements.

Usage tips

  • The pattern 到底 (tōtei) plus a negative predicate is especially useful when a speaker discusses limits of belief, ability, or acceptability in a serious exchange.

Other meanings

  • by no meansadverb
  • not at alladverb

Word lists with this word