N1imminentimageryemotionN1 grammar
んばかり (n bakari) - As If About To
Verb-ない + んばかり
Quick answer
Verb-ない + んばかり means "As if about to ~". It is a N1 Japanese grammar point with examples and drills on this page.
Meaning
As if about to ~
Explanation
This expression is used to describe an action that seems as if it's about to happen but hasn't actually happened. It often conveys vivid imagery and can reflect a speaker's perception or emotion about the imminent action.
Examples
彼は泣かんばかりの顔をしている。
かれはなかんばかりのかおをしている。
He looks as if he is about to cry.
犬は飛びかからんばかりの勢いだ。
いぬはとびかからんばかりのいきおいだ。
The dog looks ready to pounce any moment now.
彼女は怒らんばかりの声を上げた。
かのじょはおこらんばかりのこえをあげた。
She raised her voice as if about to get angry.
Practice this grammar
Verb-ない + んばかり
Which sentence correctly uses "んばかり (n bakari) - As If About To"?