〜に堪えない
Formation
Meaning
Used to describe something so terrible, cruel, or unpleasant that it is unbearable or painful to experience (see, hear, etc.).
Note
A formal and stiff expression. Often used with verbs like '見る' (to see), '聞く' (to hear), or '読む' (to read). Implies that the quality is so low or the content so disturbing that it's impossible to continue the action.
Examples
彼の無責任な発言は、聞くに堪えない。
His irresponsible remarks are unbearable to listen to.
その映画の残虐なシーンは、見るに堪えないものだった。
The cruel scenes in that movie were unbearable to watch.
この落書きだらけの壁は、正視するに堪えない。
This graffiti-covered wall is too painful to look at directly.
彼の字はあまりにも乱雑で、正直読むに堪えない。
His handwriting is so messy that it's frankly unreadable.
その悲劇的なニュースの内容は、あまりに凄惨で読むに堪えない。
The content of that tragic news was too gruesome to read.
隣の部屋から聞こえる怒鳴り声は、聞くにたえないほど激しい。
The shouting from the next room is so intense it's unbearable to listen to.