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にも~ない・〜に〜ない: the difference

Meaning

Cannot... even if one wants or tries, Would like but cannot, Wants or tries but cannot

Past papers

Tested once in past papers

Example

亡なき妻つまの笑顔えがおは忘わすれようにも忘わすれられない。

I cannot forget the smile of my late wife, even if I try to.

Meaning

Cannot even...if wants, Would like to...but cannot, Wants to...but cannot

Past papers

Tested once in past papers

Example

親友しんゆうから土下座どげざをしながら頼たのまれては、断ことわるに断ことわれません。

When my best friend begs me on his knees, I just can't say no.

How to tell them apart

「(よう)にも〜ない」: stuck because of outside conditions, such as a snowstorm or a dead phone.

「〜に〜ない」: stuck because of inner conflict, face or social ties, such as wanting to refuse a kind offer but feeling unable to.

All about にも~ない ›All about 〜に〜ない ›