Translation guide
Expressing that something is too difficult to handle, control, or deal with. Japanese often uses potential forms, idiomatic phrases, or verbs meaning 'cannot cope with'.
To say that a situation, task, or responsibility is beyond one's ability to manage.
Literally 'cannot be held in one's hands'. A common, natural way to say something is unmanageable or out of control.
この問題は手に負えない。
This problem is unmanageable.
子供たちが手に負えなくなった。
The children became unmanageable.
Literally 'cannot put a hand on it'. Implies something is so chaotic or difficult that you can't even start dealing with it.
部屋が散らかりすぎて手がつけられない。
The room is so messy I can't even start cleaning it.
Means 'it can't be helped' or 'nothing can be done about it'. Used when a situation is beyond control.
この状況はもうどうにもならない。
This situation is unmanageable now.
Means 'tough to handle' or 'formidable'. Often used for opponents or difficult tasks.
この仕事は手強い。
This job is tough to handle.
To express that something is too large, numerous, or heavy to handle physically or logistically.
Literally 'exceeds one's hands'. Used when a task or object is too much to handle.
この荷物は手に余る。
This luggage is too much to handle.
仕事量が手に余る。
The workload is unmanageable.
Literally 'hands don't go around'. Means you are too busy to handle everything.
忙しくて手が回らない。
I'm so busy I can't manage everything.
To say that a situation is emotionally or mentally overwhelming.
Means 'feel heavy-hearted' or 'depressed about something'. Used when a task feels emotionally burdensome.
明日の会議を考えると気が重い。
Thinking about tomorrow's meeting makes me feel overwhelmed.
Potential negative form of 耐える (to endure). Means 'cannot bear/stand it'.
このストレスには耐えられない。
I can't handle this stress.