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てならない Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
can't help but ; irresistibly ; unbearably
usually written using kana alone
Attaches to the て-form of verbs and adjectives to express an uncontrollable feeling or urge. Often used with emotional or sensory words like 気になる, 思える, 腹が立つ, 悲しい, etc. The subject is typically the speaker.
See also: でならない
Similar words てたまらない Similar meaning but often stronger and more colloquial, emphasizing an unbearable degree. てならない is slightly more formal and often used with emotional or intellectual states.
てしかたがない Also expresses an uncontrollable feeling, but てならない can sound more subjective and introspective.
Etymology Derived from the negative form of the verb なる (to become) attached to the て-form, literally meaning 'it does not become (that way)', which evolved into an expression of inevitability or uncontrollability.
I can't stop worrying about the exam results.
