Explanation
Expresses that something cannot be endured, tolerated, or is unbearable.
Formation
Adjective (〜く / 〜で) + て + かなわない / Verb phrase (reworded to an adjective/negative) + て + かなわない
Detailed explanation
The ～てかなわない grammar point is typically used with adjectives (or a rephrased verb) in 〜て form to show an unbearable situation or feeling. It means you 'can’t stand' or 'can’t endure' something. It often appears with expressions like 「暑くてかなわない」「うるさくてかなわない」 and so on.
Examples
Konnani atsukute kanawanai.
I can’t stand this heat.
Kare no hanashi wa shitsurei sugite kanawanai.
His remarks are so rude I can’t put up with them.
Eiga ga amari ni kandō-teki de, wasurerarenakute kanawanai.
The movie was so moving that I can’t stand how it stays on my mind.
Kanojo no egao ga mabushikute kanawanai.
Her smile is so dazzling that it’s overwhelming.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.