食えない · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 食えない | 食えなくない |
| Polite | 食えないです | 食えなくないですalso 食えなくありません |
| Past polite | 食えなかったです | 食えなくなかったですalso 食えなくありませんでした |
| Past | 食えなかった | 食えなくなかった |
| Te-form | 食えなくて | 食えなくなくて |
| Adverbial | 食えなく | |
| Conditional | 食えなければ | 食えなくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 食えなかったら | 食えなくなかったら |
Describes a person who is worldly-wise, not easily fooled, and often a bit sly. Used in expressions like 食えない奴.
That guy is pretty shrewd.
He gave a cunning smile.
inedible; uneatable
Literal meaning: cannot be eaten, usually because it is spoiled, poisonous, or not meant for consumption.
This mushroom is poisonous and inedible.
unable to make a living; cannot support oneself
Figurative extension of the literal meaning: unable to earn enough to eat or survive. Often used in the phrase 食えないこともない (can just about get by).
I can't make a living on this salary.
Even as a freelancer, I can just about get by.