たまらない

Alternative writings: 堪らない
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

intolerable; unbearable; something one cannot endure (used to express strong discomfort or distress)

ExpressionI-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

二日間寝ていなくて頭が痛くてたまらない。

I haven't slept for two days and my head is unbearably painful.

寒くてたまらないのでコートを着た。

It was so cold I couldn't stand it, so I put on a coat.

あの音がうるさくてたまらない。

That noise is unbearably loud.

2

irresistible; tremendous; extremely appealing or overwhelming in a positive way

ExpressionI-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

赤ちゃんがかわいくてたまらない。

The baby is irresistibly cute.

新作の味が最高でたまらない。

The new dish tastes so good—it's irresistible.

彼の演奏は素晴らしくてたまらない。

His performance is so wonderful it's overwhelming.

3

cannot help (doing); feel an urgent desire or need to do something; cannot get enough of — often follows the -te form

ExpressionI-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

会いたくてたまらないので、明日会いに行くつもりだ。

I can't help wanting to see you, so I plan to visit tomorrow.

眠くてたまらないから、今日は早く寝る。

I'm unbearably sleepy, so I'll go to bed early today.

その映画が見たくてたまらない。

I can't wait to see that movie.