N1 Degree and Emphasis

~て敵かなわない: meaning, usage and examples

~て敵かなわない means: unbearably... / can't stand...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 隣となりの部屋へやが毎晩まいばんうるさくて、敵かなわない。

   The next room is so noisy every night, I can't stand it.

2. こんなに暑あつくては、かなわない。

   It's unbearably hot.

3. 梅雨つゆの時期じきは、じめじめしてかなわない。

   During the rainy season, the humidity is unbearable.

4. 毎晩まいばん遅おそくまで残業ざんぎょうさせられては、かなわない。

   Being made to work late every night is more than I can take.

When to use it

Says a situation is so unpleasant that the speaker cannot bear it. Common with heat, noise, cold, and being made to do something (～させられてはかなわない). Example: 毎日まいにちこう寒さむくてはかなわない (I cannot take it being this cold every day). Often written in kana: かなわない.

Nuance

Conversational and a little old-fashioned, with a complaining tone. It expresses the speaker's own discomfort, so it is not used for other people's feelings without らしい or そうだ. Usually about physical or ongoing discomfort.

Compare

～てたまらない is for strong feelings or desires, positive or negative: 会あいたくてたまらない. ～てしょうがない is similar and casual. ～てかなわない is only for things the speaker cannot stand: うるさくてかなわない. You would not say 会あいたくてかなわない.

Tip: Use かなわない only for annoyance or suffering. For longing or desire (会あいたい, 欲ほしい), use たまらない instead.