兼ねる
Cannot, Be unable to, Hard to, Hesitant to
Structure
Explanation
The る-Verb 兼ねる attaches to the ます-stem of another verb to express that something 'cannot be done' or is 'difficult to do'. It carries a nuance that the speaker wishes they could perform the action, but is unable to because of certain constraints, like rules, responsibilities, or a lack of authority. This makes it a polite way to decline or state inability.
While it can be written with its kanji, this grammar point is most commonly written in hiragana as かねる.
- 申し訳ございませんが、そのご要望にはお応えしかねます。I'm very sorry, but we are unable to accommodate that request.
- 個人的な意見ですので、コメントはいたしかねます。As that is a personal matter, I'm afraid I can't comment.
- この件については、今すぐには判断しかねます。Regarding this matter, I cannot make a decision right away.
Because 兼ねる has a formal and indirect feel, it is often preferred over a more direct refusal like できない, which can sound too blunt in business or customer service situations.
Fun-fact
The original meaning of 兼ねる is 'to serve two or more functions'. From this, you can imagine the nuance of something being 'beyond the scope' of one's ability or role. It suggests that fulfilling the request would be stretching one's capacity or authority too far.
- 私一人ではその全ての業務を担いかねます。It would be a stretch for me to handle all of those duties by myself.
Examples
そのご質問には、私ー人ではお答えし兼ねます。
I am afraid I cannot answer that question by myself. (hesitant)
大変申し訳ありませんが、そのご提案は受けかねます。
I am terribly sorry, but we cannot accept that proposal. (hesitant)
どちらの大学に進学するか、まだ決め兼ねている。
I still can't decide which university to attend. (hesitant)
彼がなぜあんなことをしたのか、到底理解し兼ねる。
I simply cannot comprehend why he did such a thing. (cannot)
この製品に関するお問い合わせには対応し兼ねますので、ご了承ください。
Please understand that we are unable to provide support for inquiries regarding this product. (cannot)
申し訳ございませんが、ご期待には沿い兼ねます。
I do apologize, but I am unable to meet your expectations. (cannot)
その計画の成功は少し想像し兼ねる。
It is a little hard to imagine that plan succeeding. (hesitant)
この件に関しましては、弊社では責任を負い兼ねます。
With regard to this matter, our company cannot assume responsibility. (cannot)
親友からの頼みとはいえ、さすがにそれだけは聞き入れ兼ねるよ。
Even though it's a request from my best friend, I just can't bring myself to grant that one. (hesitant)
あなたの意見には賛成したいところですが、その点だけは同意し兼ねます。
I would like to agree with your opinion, but on that point alone, I am afraid I cannot. (hesitant)
部下：「この仕事、明日までに終わらせます。」
上司：「いや、その量を一人でというのは無理だろう。さすがに許可し兼ねるな。」
Subordinate: 'I'll finish this work by tomorrow.'
Boss: 'No, that amount is impossible for one person. I really can't approve of that.' (hesitant)
記者：「社長の辞任はありますか？」
広報：「その件につきましては、現時点では申し上げ兼ねます。」
Reporter: 'Will the company president be resigning?'
PR Rep: 'Regarding that matter, I am not at liberty to say at this time.' (cannot)