InitialJ
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 ~". As a N1 grammar point, it is tested in the JLPT. Detailed examples and a usage explanation are 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.
彼—He顔—Face
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.
勢—Forces
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.
彼—He上—Top

Practice this grammar

Verb-ない + んばかり

Which sentence correctly uses "んばかり (n bakari) - As If About To"?

Vocabulary from these examples

勢ForcesN2上Top上Upper part上Top彼He顔Face勢Forces

Last updated Jul 4, 2026