GRAMMAR
〜ないものか・〜ないものだろうか
isn't there a way?
Explanation
NOTE
〜ないものか・〜ないものだろうか express a strong wish — I really wish (something could happen) or isn't there some way to ~?
なんとか助けられないものか。
Isn't there some way to help (them) somehow?
Often paired with なんとか (somehow) to emphasize the search for a solution.
NOTE
The speaker is searching for a way to bring about a desired outcome. Use it when expressing a heartfelt wish that something will change for the better.
NOTE
〜ないものだろうか is a slightly softer, more reflective variant — like wondering aloud I wonder if there isn't a way...
NOTE
Attach to the potential negative form of a verb (なる → なれない → なれないものか). It also attaches to a plain negative ない-form.
STRUCTURE
V可ない
ものかなんとかなれないものかと毎日悩んでいる。
Nantoka narenai mono ka to mainichi nayande iru.
I worry every day, wondering if there isn't some way things could work out.
この問題を解決できないものだろうか。
Kono mondai o kaiketsu dekinai mono darou ka.
Isn't there some way to solve this problem?
もっと安く買えないものかと店を探している。
Motto yasuku kaenai mono ka to mise o sagashite iru.
I'm looking for a shop, hoping there's some way to buy it cheaper.
Practice exercises
1
状況が悪くて、不安でしかたがない。何とかならないものだろうか。
The situation is bad, and I can't help but feel uneasy. Isn't there some way to do something about it?
Answer
何とかならないものだろうか
2
こんなに長い会議は、どれほど疲れることだろう。どうにか短縮できないものか。
How tiring it must be to have such a long meeting! I wish it could be shortened somehow.
Answer
できないものか
3
この厳しい状況を少しでも改善できないものか。
This harsh situation, I wish it could be improved even a little.
Answer
できないものか
4
昔は楽しかったものだ。彼らにもう一度会えないものだろうか。
The old days were fun. I wish I could meet them again.
Answer
会えないものだろうか
5
もう二度と同じ過ちを繰り返さないものだろうか。
I wish I wouldn't repeat the same mistake ever again.
Answer
繰り返さないものだろうか