Explanation
Expresses inability to completely finish or do something.
Formation
Verb-stem + 切れない
Detailed explanation
The ～切れない grammar point is used to express the inability to fully complete, finish, or do something. It is formed by attaching 切れない to the stem of a verb. It often implies that some portion of the action is done, but finishing it entirely is not possible for some reason.
Examples
Kono hon wo hitoban de yomikirenai.
I cannot finish reading this book in one night.
Kare wa nakikirenai hodo ureshikatta.
He was so happy that he couldn't stop crying.
Kono heya wo ichinichi de soujishikirenai.
I cannot finish cleaning this room in one day.
Kanojo wa hanashikirenai hodo no nayami ga aru.
She has so many worries that she can't finish talking about them.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.