Explanation
Expresses: 'Even if I try/want to do something, I cannot.'
Formation
Verb-volitional + にも + Verb-potential negative
Detailed explanation
This pattern emphasizes that a person wants or attempts to do something (often in volitional form), but is incapable of doing so. It is often used with potential verbs in negative form: 'Even if I try to ~, I can't ~.'
Examples
彼を理解しようにも理解できない。
Kare o rikai shiyou ni mo rikai dekinai.
Even if I try to understand him, I can't.
走ろうにも走れない。
Hashirou ni mo hashirenai.
Even if I want to run, I can't.
泣こうにも泣けない。
Nakou ni mo nakenai.
Even if I want to cry, I can't.
忘れようにも忘れられない。
Wasureyou ni mo wasurerarenai.
Even if I try to forget, I just can’t.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.