たまらない
たまらない
i-adjective
unbearable, irresistible
1.
unbearable, intolerable, cannot stand
Used to express that something is so intense (unpleasant or sometimes pleasant) that one cannot endure it.
暑くてたまらない。
It's unbearably hot.
会いたくてたまらない。
I'm dying to see you.
〜たくてたまらない = desperately want to
足が痛くてたまらないので、病院に行った。
My foot hurt so badly that I went to the hospital.
2.
irresistible, extremely appealing
Used to express that something is so wonderful or appealing that one cannot resist it.
この料理は美味しくてたまらない。
This dish is irresistibly delicious.
新しい猫が可愛くてたまらない。
The new cat is irresistibly cute.
温泉に入った後のビールがたまらない。
Beer after a hot spring bath is irresistible.
GRAMMAR PATTERNS:
- {〜て}たまらない: So ~ that one can't stand it
- {〜たくて}たまらない: Desperately want to ~
- {〜で}たまらない: So ~ (with na-adj/noun)
NUANCE:
- Can be used for both negative sensations (pain, heat, boredom) and positive ones (deliciousness, excitement)
- When positive, conveys overwhelming appeal or satisfaction
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- たまらない: Unbearable/irresistible
- 堪えられない: Cannot endure (more formal)
- 〜てしょうがない: Can't help but ~ (similar pattern)
Related Words
Related:
堪えられない (cannot endure)