終わらなさそうだ versus 終わりそうもない

Question

What is the difference between the following fragments?

A: 終わらなさそうだ

B: 終わりそうもない

It seems to me, both means "it does not look like it will finish".

If they are different, how to use each?

score 4 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:43

4

Sentence A is closer to your translation. Sentence B is more emphatic and it sounds like you will be nowhere near the goal by the deadline.

も + ない indicates a strong negation (≒"never", "even"). See: function of the particle も in 「~も辞さない」

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:43

Community

answered Feb 15 '17 at 18:53

naruto

A is "objective", B is "emphatic". But "objective" and "emphatic" are not always mutually exclusive. Does your answer depend on the verb 終わる? How about 雨は降りなさそう？ – Craig Hicks Feb 16 '17 at 01:31
1

@CraigHicks Right. Maybe "matter-of-factly" would be the better word. – naruto Feb 16 '17 at 01:34
correction - 雨は降らなさそう – Craig Hicks Feb 16 '17 at 01:38

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 15 '17 at 19:03

1

A:終わらなそうだ connotes objectivity. The speaker isn't involved in or part of the deed.

B:終わりそうもない connotes subjectivity. The speaker is involved in or part of the deed.

Both are grammatically correct. Hinges on speakers view on the deed.

answered Feb 15 '17 at 19:03

user19858

1

How about 雨は降りなさそうだ vs. 雨は降りそうもない. Does this fit in that objective / subjective framework? – Craig Hicks Feb 16 '17 at 01:32
correction - 雨は降らなさそう – Craig Hicks Feb 16 '17 at 01:42
降りそうもない implies that the speaker want it to rain. – user19858 Feb 16 '17 at 02:01
1

What subjective expression would imply the speaker wants it not to rain? – Craig Hicks Feb 16 '17 at 19:25

2 Answers2