What it means
とても〜ない expresses strong inability or impossibility: “cannot possibly” or “there is no way to.” It commonly appears with a verb, especially a potential form, and conveys the speaker’s firm judgment that an action is beyond what can be done. The negative ending is essential; this pattern is much stronger than simply saying that something is not done.
Usage note
With adjectives, とても〜ない can instead mean “not very ...,” so the intended meaning depends on the predicate. The “cannot possibly” interpretation is clearest when とても modifies a negative verb or a negative potential expression.
How to use it
こんな提案はとても受け入れられません。
There is no way I can accept a proposal like this.
こんな提案はとても受け入れられない。
There is no way I can accept a proposal like this.
Example sentences
この複雑な契約書を、法律の知識がない私が一晩で理解することなど、とてもできない。
There is no way I, who have no legal knowledge, can understand this complicated contract in one night.
現在の予算では、来年度中に新しい図書館を建てることはとてもできない。
With the current budget, it is impossible to build a new library during the next fiscal year.
この重