1. Basic structure
| Form | Formation with ～ようにも | Example pattern | General meaning |
|---|
| Basic | V-よう にも ＋ (difficult/impossible) | 行こうにも 時間がない | Even if one wants/tries to V... (there is an obstacle) |
| Common | V-よう にも V-可能形-ない | 会おうにも 会えない | Even if you want to do it, you can't |
| Noun-based reason | V-よう にも Nがない | 連絡しようにも 連絡先がない | Lack of means/conditions |
2. Main meaning & detailed analysis
～ようにも expresses a situation "even if one wants/intends to do V, one cannot or it's very difficult" due to a lack of conditions, means, or objective obstacles. "にも" emphasizes a hypothetical effort that is nevertheless unfeasible.
- Often followed by a clause that is negative or indicates an impediment.
- Conveys a sense of "powerlessness" before the situation rather than a subjective unwillingness.
3. Illustrative examples
- 連絡しようにも、電話番号がわからない。
Even if I want to contact them, I don't know the phone number. - 会場に行こうにも、交通機関が止まっている。
Even if I want to go to the venue, public transportation is suspended. - 謝ろうにも、彼に会う機会がない。
Even if I want to apologize, there's no chance to meet him. - 忘れようにも、そう簡単には忘れられない。
Even if I want to forget, I can't forget that easily. - 応募しようにも、締め切りが過ぎてしまった。
Even if I want to apply, the deadline has already passed.
4. Usage & nuance
- Used when lacking tools/information: 連絡先がない／手段がない／時間がない.
- Moderate formality; usable in both writing and speech.
- The following clause is often: 〜ない／難しい／無理だ／困難だ.
5. Comparison, distinctions, and similar patterns
| Pattern | Meaning | Difference | Short example |
|---|
| VようにもVれない | Want to do it but can't | Full form with verb repetition; emphasizes capability | 会おうにも会えない。 |
| Vます＋ようがない | There is no way to do it | Absolutely no means | 連絡しようがない。 |
| VたくてもVない | Want to but can't | Emphasizes desire (wanting to do it) | 行きたくても行けない。 |
| VようとしてもVない | Try to do it but can't | Implies the action was attempted | 寝ようとしても寝られない。 |
6. Extended notes
- The latter clause can be omitted if the context is clear: 金がなくて、行こうにも…。 (colloquial)
- Often used with perception/emotion verbs: 忘れる／笑う／泣く.
- In formal writing, the latter clause may use abstract nouns: 〜に障害がある／〜に支障を来す.
7. Variations & fixed expressions
- Vようにも〜ない／Vようにも〜できない: the most common form.
- 言いようにも言えない: don't know how to say it properly.
- 動きようにも動けない: stuck, unable to move.
8. Common mistakes & JLPT traps
- Using "ようにも" with an affirmative following clause → illogical (行こうにも時間がある → contradictory).
- Confusing it with "ようと": "ようにも" means "even if one wants...", while "ようと〜まいと" means "whether or not".
- Omitting "にも": 連絡しように… → wrong; it should be 連絡しようにも…
